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HISTORY OF 




Pike County 



FROM 



1822 TO 1922 



i^Jy* 




Compiled by 
REV. R. W. ROGERS, 

ZEBULON, GA. 



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PIKE COUNTY COURT HOUSE 



AN ACROSTIC— PIKE COUNTY 






Come, oh my muse! my pen inspire, 
And touch it with poetic fire. 
Help me to tell the wondrous story 
Of Pike's past and luture glory. 

P's for pride of a noble sort, 

Pride of character whicn can't be bought. 
Which strives to be true and dares to be brave 
Would help the erring, the lost would save. 

J's for industry, in things worth while; 

Seeking the good and shunning the vile. 
Ready alike to serve God or man ; 
Building a character on God's plan. 

l^ 's for knowledge, coming from above; 

The knowledge 06 God, whose name is love. 
Like Mary to sit at Jesus' feet: 
Learn lessons of faith and trust complete. 

P's for earnest in purpose and aim; 

Putting forth efforts, worthy the name. 
Not idling; loitering, wasting time, 
But struggling: climbing to heights sublime. 



/^'s for Christ Jesus, our Lord, our King. 

Hail Him ! Crown Him ! His praises sing. 
To Him swear allegiance, to Him render praise, 
Now and ever, through everlasting days. 

f\'^ for obey the laws ordained of God. 

Thou shalt; thou shalt not; says God's own word. 
Render to Caesar, what belongs to him. 
Treat God fairly, or else 'tis sin. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 



f J's for union; together we stand, 

Loving ; tender, a brave loyal band. 
Drive out the Devil ; Honor our God. 
He'll sustain us, tho we pass 'neath the sod. 

"M's for numbers who've wandered away: 

From the Shepherd's fold they've gone astray. 
Let's seek these lost sheep of the fold. 
Angels rejoice o'er the penitent soul. 

•y's touch not ; taste not, the unclean thing. 

T'will bite like the serpent; like the adder will sting. 
Be sober and clean and pure in our lives. 
Nor bring grief and shame to children and wives. 

Y stands for youth, the boys of our land. 

Hope of our country: a loyal band. 
Ye boys be brave in the world's great strife. 
Lofty your aims and pure your life. 



V 



Historv of Pike Coiiniv 



» 



Boundaries of Pike County were laid out in 1882. It was 
bounded on the north by Fayette and Henry ; on the East 
by Monroe and a part of Butts ; on the South by Upson ; 
on the west by FHnt River and Line creek. 

In 1824, a part of Pike w^as added to Upson. In 1851, the 
County of Spalding was formed and the northern part of 
Pike, in which was situated the city of Griffin, was put in 
the new county. The area of Pike was again greatly less- 
ened in 1920, when the Eastern part of the county, in which 
was situated the towns of Barnesville, Milner and Liberty 
Hill, was added to the new county of Lamar. 

Pike County was named for General Zebulon Montgomery 
Pike, a hero of the war of 1812, who lost his life in a battle 
with the British troops. The county site was originally 
old Newman near Finchers Church, but was moved to Zebu- 
lon in 1825. The town gets it's name from he given name 
of General Pike, and was suggested by Mrs. D. S. Patter- 
son, who was an early settler of Pike, but who died near 
Jackson, Ga., in 1883. 

The first court house was of hewn logs, and Mr. D. S. 
Patterson told me that he helped to hew the logs. The log 
house which Mr. Patterson built for a dwelling is still stand- 
ing 01! the farm owned by the estate of Mrs. R. W. Rogers, 
and is over 100 years old. 

The second court house was of brick and cost $8,000. 

The present building was erected in 1895. The following 
were commissioners: T. J. Cadenhead, Chairman; E. G. 
Aikin, J. T. Tyus, William M. Hartley, Sr., Clerk. 

On November 25, 1825, an act was passed by the Senate 
and House of Representatives of the General Assembly of 
of Georgia, and signed by Governor G. M. Troup, author- 



8 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 

izing the purchase of lot number 227 as the county site, 
naming it Zebulon. The following were appointed com- 
missioners: Lewis Daniel, Francis Daniel, Hugh F. Rose, 
Laurince, and Absalom Echols, with authority to exer- 
cise the power of Justice's of the Peace.. According to the 
Court Records this was revived in 1894-5. 

I copy some things now from an article written by Mrs. 
M. J. Redding and published in the Pike county Journal in 
March 1914. "Zebulon was laid off early in the 20's. 
Among the earliest settlers was Mr, Hugh G. Johnson, who 
built the first house in Zebulon on „the lot now owned by 
Mrs. Maples. He afterwards built where the home of Mr. 
Jas. Slade now stands. Among the old landmarks still left 
are the Ballard House, the Blasingame House and the Wells 
House. 



RELIGION. 



No people can be truly prosperous, in the truest sense 
of that term, unless the character of the citizens is built 
upon faith in the the true God. But for the influence of 
the Christian religion, we would be no better than the peo- 
ple in heathen lands. 

The early citizens of Pike county recognizing God's claims 
upon them began at once to plan for the preaching of the 
gospel and the building and organizations of churches, and 
to the work of the pioneer preachers is due much of the 
credit for the prosperity and intelligence of our people. 
We feel that we must devote some space to the work of 
the church in our county. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 



THE EARLY HISTORY OF METHODISM IN 
PIKE COUNTY 

Up to 1830, Georgia and Florida were in the South Caro- 
lina Conference. In those days the preachers were nearly 
all unmarried men. At first, a preacher's salary was $60 
per annum. After a few years it was increased to $80 
and thsn, later to $100. They needed but little money, 
as they rode horse-back, and carried their books and clothes 
with them. The average circuit had two preachers with 
about twenty-five or twenty-six appointments at which 
they preached twice each month, having an appointment 
every day in the week except Monday. Some of these Cir- 
cuit Riders, though their education was limited, were won- 
derful preachers of the gospel. 

Andrew Hamil came to Pike County in 1823, and he was 
the first Methodist preacher who came to this part of Geor- 
gia. Late in life he married Miss Maria Torrance of Bald- 
win county. Alter his death, she married Judge William 
A. Cobb of Upson County. Mrs. Cobb was one of my best 
friends. She Hved to be very old. Just before she died, 
she gave me some of Andrew Hamil's books. 

CAMP GROUNDS 

A Camp Ground was established at Fincher's Church at a 
very early date, but for lack of water, in 1853, it was mov- 
ed to Bluff Springs. Miss Sarah Lifsey heard the first 
Fermon there in September, 1853, and remembers the prea- 
cher, Rev. Joshua Payne, who afterwards died of Yellow 
Fever in Savannah. His text was 2 nd. Timothy, 4-7-8. 
The Camp Meetings were suspended during the Civil War 
and were not held again until 1878. They have been kept 
up ever since, and have been occasions of great spirit- 
ual power. Great sermons have been preached there by 
Holy Men o " Cod and thousands have been born into Christ's 
Kingdom. This Campground is connected with the Zebu- 



10 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 



Ion Circuit (1922) and the following are Trustees: Jas. W. 
Holsey, W. J. Franklin, W. D. Howell, Thos. A. Lif sey, and 
Robt. R. Carter. 



HAPTIST CHURCHES 

The Baptist church filled a prominent place in the 
hsitory of this section of Georgia. In 1836, there was 
a division on the subject of Missions and Sunday Schools. 
One branch is known as the Missionary Baptist Church 
branches have the same creed, and both have done much 
for the up-building of Christ's Kingdom. The Missionary 
Baptist Church has done a wonderful work in sending the 
gospel to the heathen, and in promoting the cause ofChrist- 
ian Education in the Homeland. I have tried fairly and 
impartially to give a brief account of every church in the 
county according to the information I have been able to 
obtain. The churches in this county belong to the Flint 
River Association. 

Rev. John Milner established a church called Sardis, on 
the land belonging to the estate of Mrs. M. E. Eubank six 
miles from Barnesville. There are a number of graves to 
be seen yet near the site of the old church. Thisi church 
was moved to Barnesville. This was the beginning of 
the Barnesville Baptist Church. 



PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCHES 

HARMONY 

Harmony Church was constituted about 100 year ago. 
It was first built on the Jackson road, but was moved later 
to its present location on the Milner road. The first Dea- 
cons were, John Cadenhead and Jas. Sullivan (Grandfather 



HISTORY OF P IKE COUNTY 1 1 

of P. M. Sullivan). The following pastors have served 
this church, but we do not know the order or date of their 
pastorates: J. A. Monsess, Lee Wyat Childs, Britain John 
Morgan and William Mosely. 

Deacons are, Judge Bloodworth and C. W. Sullivan. 

CONCORD CHURCH 

January 9, 1833, Concord church was deeded by William 
Gilbert to the Deacons. From this church the town takes 
its name. Among the pastors who have served this 
church are: Elders Duke, Nichols. Thrash, Head, Fuller, 
O'Neal Bussey, Williamson and Morris. 

FLAT ROCK 

Flat Rock Church was constituted in 1858. The follow- 
ing have served as pastors at various periods in the past 
W. T. Goddard, John P. Lyons, J, L. Gunter, J. C. Nichols, 
J. A. Wright, Daniel Henderson and A. C. Elliott. In 
1920, there was a division in the church, and now there 
are two pastors, and two church organizations in the same 
church building, holding services on different Sabbaths. 
Of one branch. Dr. J. M. F. Bazemore is pastor, and Wil- 
liam M. Hartley Sr., and Jonas Hartley are the deacons. 
They have about twenty members. Of the other branch 
Geo. R. Goddard is pastor and Walter Ballard, Ira Harden 
and W. 0. Reeves are the Deacons. They have forty mem- 
bers and belong to the Towilaga Association. 



HISTORY OF FINCHERB CHURCH 

Fincher's Church was oiganized in 1822 or 1823. The 
records show that Andrew Hamil was the first pastor. 
Among the charter members were Jos. Fincher and his wife, 
Mrs. Martha Fincher for whom the church was named. 
Grandma Fincher lived to be 96 years old. In 1831 the 



12 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 

Lifsey family moved to Pike County and liaving been Metho- 
dists in Morgan County they united with Fincher's and 
from that d?.y they have helped to make Methodist history 
and advance the Kingdom oi our Lord Jesus Christ. When 
the writer was pastor of Fincher's in 1876-77, there were 
forty-eight Lifssys on the church roll. Miss Sarah Lif- 
sey 86 years old is still living just waiting the call of the? 
Master. Fincher's was connected with the Zebulon Charge 
until the Fall of 1866, when the Circuit was divided. About 
that time the Pika Mission, afterward changed to Milner 
Circuit w'as established embracing Milner, Ebenezer, Fin- 
cher's and Century Nelson Churches. The writer served 
this Circuit in 1876-77. 

Fincher's church was put with the Zebulon Circuit in 
1915. A Sunday School w^as formed at a very early date. 
They now have a vsry flourishing school with an enroll- 
ment of one hundred and thirteen. W. T. Cochran is Sup- 
erintendent. 

J. S. Lifsey, better known as Uncle Tony went to heav- 
en in 1921, being 82 years o!d. He was Superintendent for 
many years. 

Fincher's Church has an enrollment of two hundred-one 
members, ranging of 9 to 87 years of age. 

The present Trustee's are Robt. R. Carter, W. T. Coch- 
ran, Jas. H. Lifsey, Thos. A. Lifsey and Joseph S. Slade. 
The following compose the Board of Stewards : T. A. Lifsey, 
W. Enoch Storey, L D. Cochran, Jos. S. Slade and Henry 
S. Bishop. Benjamin N. Lifsey is Church Secretary. 
There have been several church buildings at Fincher's in 
the past. The present elegant building was erected in 
1905. 

PINCHERS WOMAN'S FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY 

A woman's Foreign Missionary Society was organized 
at Fincher's Church nearly twenty years ago. Four years 
ago the society was re-organized and since then the work 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 13 



has been carried on with renewed zeal and consecration. 
The study class has been a wonderful help and inspiration 
to the members. 

The society has fitteen members, with following officers: 
Pres., Miss Mary Kelly; Vice-Pres., Mrs. R. R. Carter; Secy., 
Mrs. Henry Bishop; Treas., Miss Claude Slade. 

In 1918, Mrs. Arthur Maness organized a Young People's 
Auxiliary with fifteen members. There are thirty mem- 
bers now in the Society, with the following officers : Lead- 
er, Mrs R. R. Carter; Pres., Miss Mary Kelly; Vice Pres., 
Miss Florence Carter; Secy., Mrs. I. D. Cochran; Treas., 
George Lifsey; Supt,, Children's work Mrs. S. S. Barrett. 
She has a flourishing Society. 

The Ladies Aid Society of Pinchers Church was organized 
in 1922, with Mrs. S. S. Barrett as president. Twenty- 
three members are enrolled. The object of the society is 
to help the church and the parsonage. 

Although Pinchers Church was established at a much 
earlier date, the deed was not recorded until 1846. The 
following were the Trustees: Simon Slade, John Means, 
Jas. Neal, Colens Moreland, Jos. T. Fincher, Wm. Barrett, 
Sr., Jas Barrett, Nathan Boyd and John Lifsey. 

Among the early members were Mrs. Edith Lifsey, who 
died at the age of 96, the Barrett family, the Slade family, 
the Howell family and the Storey family. 



EBENEZER M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH. 

We can not find when Ebenezer Church was organized, 
but the first recorded deed was dated Aug. 5, 1840, and was 
made by W. 0. Kendrick to the following Trustees: Syl- 
vanus Kendrick, Thos. B. Jones, Wm. Park, Richmond R. 
Kendrick, Samuel Ford, W. G. Morgan and J. L. Winfield. 
Some of the early members of this church were Rev, 



14 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 

Pati'ick N. Maddox, local preacher and his family, A. E, 
Eubank and wife, Mrs. Henrietta Shehee, Laurence Smith, 
John Means, Jas. W. Means, Mrs. Fannie Slade, Jas. Banks- 
ton and famil3% Garlington Leak and family and Jas. W. 
Holsey and wife. Ebenezer has always been small in num- 
bers, but loyal and faithful to the doctrines and discipline 
of the Methodist Church. Of the early members, Mrs. J. 
W. Means and J. W. Holsey still survive, patiently waiting 
the Master's call. Mrs. M. Eubank (91 years old) and her 
daughter, Mrs. Richard W. Rogers have recently died. Bro. 
J. W. Holsey, while leading the congregation in prayer, in 
Zebulon, on Easter Sunday 1922, was stricken with paraly- 
sis, and has been bedridden since. His life has been a bene- 
diction to Ebenezer and Zebulon. 

Ebenezer Church was on the Zebulon charge until the 
Milner Circuit was formed in the hitler yixties, composed 
of Milner, Ebenezer, Fincher's, and Century Nelson 
churches. Rev. J. S. Bryan was one of the first pastors of 
this Circuit. Rev. Isaac G. Parks served the Circuit in 
1873 ; Eli Smith in 1874 ; Rev. Jas. Smith in 1875, and the 
writer (R. W. Rogers) in 1876-77. I have not a record of 
the later preachers. In 1917 it was placed on "The Rock" 
Circuit. L. E. Wright was pastor in 1917-18; Robert P. 
Tatiim in 1919-20, J. D. Milton in 1921, and Grover C. 
Knowles is the beloved and efficient preacher and pastor 
for 1922. 

The following are the Stewards: Warren W. Bush, Jas. 
W. Holsey, Jas. 0. Franklin, and Jas. W. Elliott. Miss Alma 
Walker is Sunday School Superintendent. Miss Alma Bush 
is the President of the Woman's Missionary Society. 

Ebenezer Church made a fine record in the Centenary 
Campaign. 



HISTORY OF CENTURY NELSON CHURCH. 

Century Nelson Chiirch was organized about 1822. It 



HISTORY OF P IKE COUNTY 15 

was named for one of the charter members, Mr. Thos. Nel- 
son, who was 100 years old at the time the church was es- 
tablished. It is said that he split 100 rails the day he cele- 
brated his 100th birthday. There have been several church 
buildings here. One was destroyed by a cyclone in 1894, 
and the present building was erected in 1895. 

Tills church was connected with the Zebulon work until 
1866. It was then put on the Milner Circuit. In 1917 it 
was placed on The Rock Circuit. The present very much 
beloved pastor is Rev. Groyer C. Knowles. 

Among the early members of the church, who served 
their generation by the will of God, were Thos. H. Turner 
and family; Mrs. Amanda Eussey and children; Thos. L. 
Campbell and family ; Thomson Graham and wife ; Jas. Yar- 
brough and family; Mrs. Thos. Allen and children; Mrs. 
Matthews and family; Thos. Verden and family; Seaborn 
Hickson and family, and the Simmons family. 

There are sixty members on the church roll. The follow- 
ing are the Tozrd of Stewards: Thos. J. Matthews, T. T/. 
Matthews, Curtis W. Allen and J. T. Speer. There are forty 
on the Sunday School roll. Mrs. W. A. Bishop is Superin- 
tendent. 

Rev. T. L. Bussey, a useful local preacher, now living in 
Atlanta, was a member of this church for many years. 



HISTORY OF MT. OLIVE BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The church record was burned when J. W. Pilkenton's 

store was burned several years ago, he being clerk. Mt. 

Olive Church was constituted between 1835 and 1840 by 

Jonathan Milner. 

The following pastors and clerks have served the church : 
1849-54 Henry Garland of The Rock, Ga.; Clerk, W. T. 

Crowell. , 



16 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 

1855-56 Jacob King, Upson Co. ; Clerk, P. H. McDowell. 

1857-58 James F. McCloud, Upson County; Clerk, P. H. 
McDowell. 

1859 Jacob Buffington ; Clerk, P. H. McDowell. 

1860-61 W. W. Head of Milner; Clerk, P. H. McDowell. 

J, M. Slade and J. D. Carreker came home from Camp 
Stephen Griffin, united with the church and were baptized 
the third Sunday in September, 1861, by W. W. Head, 

1862-66 G. A. Moore; Clerk, P. H. McDowell. 

1867 James H. Weaver; Clerk, P. H. McDowell. 

1868-71 E. S. Harris; Clerk, P. H. McDowell. 

1872-74 J. A. Jackson, Delray, Ga. ; Clerk, P. H. McDowell. 

1875-86 E. M. Hooten, Milner, Ga. ; Clerk, H. G. Jordan. 

1887-90 W. A. Brooks, Madison, Ga. ; Clerk, H. G. Jordan. 

1891-96 J. W. Beck, Jackson, Ga. ; Clerk, J. W. Pilkenton. 

1897 J. F. Crawford, Talbot County ; Clerk, J. W. Pilken- 
ton. 

1898-1904 W. P. Head, Woodbury, Ga.; Clerk, J. W. Pil- 
kenton. 

1904-1908 L. Hooten, Zebulon, Ga. ; Clerk, J. W. Pilkenton. 

1909-1915 W. U. Kendrick, Griffin; Clerk, G. W. Hamlett. 

1916 F. B. Ricketts, Atlanta; Clerk, G. W. Hamlett. 

1917 J. T. Espy, Mercer University; he resigned in Au- 
gust to go to the Seminary at Louisville, Ky. 

1918-1920 L. B. Harvey, Forsyth ; Clerk, J. T. Pilkenton. 

1920-1921 James C. Eppinger, Griffin; Clerk, J. T. Pil- 
kenton. 

1921-1922 C. E. Hitt, Forest Park ; Clerk, J. T. Pilkenton. 

James Holmes, John Jordan and Alfred Tarver were the 
first deacons and were, perhaps, in the constitution of the 
church, however we can't be certain about that as the rec- 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 1 7 



ords were destroyed. P. H. McDowell was a deacon and 
clerk of the church for about 35 years. J. W. Pilkenton and 
H. G. Jordan of Barnesville were deacons for a number of 
years. J. P. Garner was deacon and also William Hardy of 
Upson County. W. J. Jones, R. G. Elliott, J. T. Pilkenton, 
T. C. McLendon, S. E. Clark and Luther Jones are the pres- 
ent deacons. 

The land east of the creek belonged to Jas. M. Holmes and 
he gave four (4) acres for the church lot. Robt. Pilkenton 
gave three (3) acres making seven (7) in all. 

Two of the oldest members now living are J. D. Carreker 
and Mrs. Susan Reeves who have been members 62 years. 
Total membership is about 246. 

Number of ministers ordained from Mt. Olive Church 
were three. Zachariah Harris in 1848 who moved off to 
Dale County, Alabama, and spent his life in the ministry. 
G. W. Garner was ordained about 1880 and is now one of 
our leading ministers. J. D. Carreker was ordained about 
1893. 

Therd have been three churches erected on present lot: 
first one about 1835, second 1858 which was blown down by 
the cyclone March 3, 1893 and was rebuilt during the sum- 
mer. Burl Banks of Zebulon being the contractor. 

The number of churches constituted or partly constituted 
from the old church were five, namely, Beulah, Hendricks, 
Molena, Neal and Pleasant Valley. 

We have had irregular Sunday Schools from about 1870, 
ben regular for the last twelve years. Superintendent, 
R. G. Elliott; average attendance, forty; number of teach- 
ers, five. W. M. S. was organized about 1909 during the 
pastorate of Bro. W. U. Kendrick. Mrs. W. J. Jones was 
president for several years. Mrs. E. J. Reeves is our pres- 
ent president; Mrs. J. T. Pilkenton, Vice-President; Mrs. 
J. L. Hamlett, Secretary; Miss Ethel Carreker, Treasurer; 
Miss Perla Pilkenton, chairman Social Committee. Sunbeam 
leader, Mrs. M. D. Connally. 



18 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 

STORY OF NEAL. 

Neal is not incorporated. The following are the business 
firms : T. J. Williamson, merchant ; J. W. Curtis, merchant ; 
Strickland & Williamson Gin & Warehouse Co. 

The Southern Railway passes through the town. 

The school teachers are Miss Alice Wilkerson and Miss 
Florence Huff. Th6re are nine grades taught and sixty-five 
pupils on the roll. 



NEAL BAPTIST CHURCH. 

In 1894, a Missionary Baptist Church was constituted at 
Neal by Rev. J. D. Carreker; most of the members coming 
by letter from Mt. Olive Church. The following were the 
charter members : B. F. Newman, Mrs. Dicy J. Williamson, 
G. T. Baily, A. D. Riggins, M. D. Riggins, L. 0. Oxford, 
J. N. Riggins, Mrs. Sudie Riggins, B. B. Howard, Mrs. Emma 
Howard, J. W. Woodward, Mrs. J. W. Woodward, Miss Ida 
Woodward, and Mrs. Addie Parks. 

The church was admitted into the Centennial Association, 
at their next meeting. The following were the first Dea- 
cons: A. D. Riggins, J. L. Brandenburg and G. T. Walker. 
C. M. Blount was Clerk. Rev. J. D. Carreker was the first 
Pastor. Rev. J. Seaborn Winn i& the present Pastor. 



Mt. GILEAD BAPTIST CHURCH 

Mt. Gilead Baptist Church was constituted in 1873. Rev. 
Timothy Kimball was the first pastor. There were only nine 
charter members. Gabriel Pitts was the first deacon, This 
church has grown steadily and they now have 175 members. 
Rev. Chas. E. Hitt is the present pastor (1922) and the fol- 
lowing are the Deacons: J, 0. Kendrick and W. C. Ken- 
drick. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 1 9 

NEW HOPE CHURCH. 

New Hope Church was connstituted May 28, 1882. J. T. 
Kimball Moderator. There were ten charter members. E. 
A. Cooper and J. B. Lynch were the first deacons. C. E. 
Hitt is the present pastor and the deacons are O. L. Smith, 
S. E. Shackelford, and L. M. Brown. The following have 
served as pastors in the order named : Harry Wells, A. C. 
Wellons, J. Q. Buffington, W. T. Buffington, A. C. Smith, 
J. Q. Buffington, J. B. Hoyle, T. A. Brown, T. W. Wood. 

The present membership is 234. The church belongs to 
the Flint River Association. Wm. A. Smith is Sunday 
School Superintendent with an enrollment of 121. A Sun- 
beam Band has recently been organized. 

New Hope is one of the most flourishing country churches 
in the County. They have a beautiful church building, and 
the best kept cemetery in Pike County. • • - * 

New Hope School was established about 1882 or 1883. It 
was a continuation of old Harmony School. The following 
is a partial list of former teachers: Messrs. Stewart, Gar- 
ner, Blasingame, Mathews, Harris, Sewell, Broadnax, Rev., 
C. E. Hitt ; Misses Kennedy, Touchstone -and Thrash. Eight 
grades are taught and 168 pupils were enrolled the last 
term. 

Tlie following are the teachers for the Fall term 1922: 
Principal, Rev. Jas. C. Eppinger; 1st Asst., Miss Martha 
Morris; 2nd. Asst., Miss Mittie Pritchett; 3rd Asst., Miss 
Ethel Cai'ter. The largest country school in Pike County 
1922. 



BEULAH BAPTIST CHURCH. 

This church was constituted in 1865. The land was do- 
nated by Jas. P. Mangham. The following were the first 
deacons: Steve W. Elliott, Sr., Jas. Parks, Wm. Newton, 



20 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 

T. C. Brannan, Samuel Chapman, Jas. Bailey, Robt. Evans, 
W. L. Waller, J. W. Butler and Thos. Howard. 

Wm. W. Ferguson w^s the first pastor, serving through 
1870. Following him were: J. A. Jackson, 1871; C. Wash- 
ington Oliver, 1872 to 1877, under his ministry the member- 
ship of the church grew rapidly, 100 having been received 
in one year; W. J. Patrick, 1880; W. H. Richardson, 1881; 
J. A. Jackson, 1882, 1883, 1884 ; Wm. Ferguson, 1885 ; J. W. 
Marshall, 1886-1889; W. W. Kendrick, 1890-1894; W. T. 
Buffington, 1895-1896; J. D. Harris, 1897-1899; W. B. Whit- 
tle, 1900-1902; W. M. Coker, 1903-1904; John T. Robinson, 
1905-1906; J. W. Marshall, 1907-1908; W. T. Buffington, 
1909-1914; J. T. Culpepper, 1915-1916; Fred B. Rickett, 
1917; G. H. Taylor, 1918-1920; J. Seaborn Winn, 1921; Low 
Baker, 1922. 

Sunday School Superintendent, W. L. Waller; fifty pupils 
enrolled. President Woman's Missionary Society, Mrs. W. 
E. Storey ; members, 20. 



WEAVER BAPTIST CHURCH 

The United Baptist Church of Weaver was organized in 
March 1863 with thirteen (13) charter members. The first 
pastor was John I. Weaver. Later, Tidwell, Bradshaw, 
Leverett and W. R. White were pastors. Some of the mem- 
bers were James Weaver, Frank Weaver, Robert Lambert, 
Robert Bethune, Margaret Weaver, Mandy Weaver, Ta- 
bith Reid, Matilda Weaver and Mary Buck. In 1913 
this church went into the Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. 
L. Horten was pastor. Our present pastor is Rev. J. S. 
Winn. Have about forty members on roll. A. S. Weaver 
and E. F. Weaver are the deacons, Arthur Wood clerk, Floyd 
Murphey suptrintendent of the Sunday School. Twenty-six 
pupils on roll. The W. M. S. was organized five years ago, 
and in April 1922 we organized the Y. W. A. Sunbeams and 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 21 



Royal Ambassadors, which all are doing a good work for 
the church. 

Weaver School. Miss Jewel Roan teacher. Seven grades 
taught. Pupils on roll. 



METHODIST PREACHERS 

A list of Methodist preachers who have served the differ- 
ent churches in Pike County and the date. These faithful 
men of God did much for the moral and spiritual upbuild- 
ing of this country, and we should honor their memory. 

Andrew Hamill, 1823 ; Morgan C. Turventine, 1824 ; John 
Hunter, 1825-26; Benjamin Bell, 1827; Tilman Douglass, 
Wm. M. Stegall, 1828; Mathew Rhodes, Zebe Brown, 1829; 
Willis D. Mathews, Wm. Crawford, 1831; Willis D. Mat- 
thews, Isaac Boring. 1832; Wm. M. Stegall, Thos. Coleman, 
1833; Jas. Hunter, E. Heam. 1834; John W. Starr, Daniel 
Daily, 1835 ; John Weathersby, 1836 ; Alfred Dorman, 1837 ; 
Jas. Dunwoody, J. J. Tabor, 1838; Harris Sternes, 1839; 
Jesse W. Carrol, 1840 ; A- Pennington, J. W. Farley, 1841 ; 
A. Pennington, Jamison Scaif, 1842; Claiborn Trussell, 

Vestall, 1843 ; J. B. Wardlaw, 1844 ; Miller H. White, 

Wm. A. Smith, 1845-46; Samuel Bellah, 1846; Noah Smith, 
Sam. J. Bellah, 1847; McCarrol Purifoy, Nathaniel Allen, 
1848 ; Robert Stripling, Chas. W. Thomas. 1849 ; William B. 
McHan, J. P., Morgan Bellah, P. C, 1850; Morgan Bellah, 
Jas. Smith, 1857 ; Lemuel Q. Allen, 1852 ; Noah Smith, 1853- 
54 ; Jesse W. Canve, J. P., 1854 ; Warren Baggerly, John C. 
Simmons, 1855; Jas. Jones, 1856; S. C. Quillian, 1857; Jesse 
R. Littlejohn, 1858; Noah Palmer, 1859: C. W. Howard, 
1860; John W. Knight, 1861; Jas. M. Armstrong, 1862; 
David Holmes, W. C. Rowland, 1863; D. T. Holmes, C. W. 
Parker. 1864 ; R. A. Seale, 1865-66 ; Francis Bartow Davies. 
1867; W. P. Rivers, 1868; David Stripling, 1869; John P. 
Duncan, John W. Reynolds, died on work, 1870; Wesley F. 



22 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 



Smith, 1871; Joseph Carr, 1872; Wesley G. Hansen, 1873; 
David Nolan, 1874-75 ; T. S. L. Harvell, 1876-77-78 ; Cades- 
man Pope, 1879-80; J. T. Lowe, 1881-82-83-84 ; L. P. Neese, 
1885 ; J. S. Askew, J. P. in 1884 ; F P. Brower, W. R. Still- 
well, 1886 ; J. W. Blosser, W. H. Graham, 1886, two circuits 
formed ; J. J. Singleton, Ellison R. Cook. 1887-88 ; Sherman 
R. England, 1889-90-91-92; E. K. Aiken, 1893-94-95-96; J. J. 
Ansley, 1897; M. M. Walraven, 1898-99; J. P. Burgess, died 
(supplied by A. B. Pope), 1900; Thos. V. Weathers, 1901- 
02-03-04; T. S. Edwards, 1903; Fred W. McClesky, 1906 
W. H. Speer, 1907-08-09-10; C. P. Marchman, 1911; John R 
Jones, 1912; ¥/. S. Branham, 1913; J. W. King, 1914-15-16 
E. P. Eubanks, 1917 ; Arthur Maness, 1918-19 ; J. D. Milton 
1920: D. S. Patterson, 1921; Adrian Warwick, 1922. 



RURAL SCHOOLS. 

Were I called upon to name the uncrowned heroes of the 
present day I should unhesitatingly mention the teachers of 
our rural schools. No class of citizens are doing more for 
the future of our country than they. Their work is second 
only to the ministry. With inadequate salaries, most of 
which they are forced to spend at summer training schools, 
with a devotion worthy of the cause, they are giving their 
lives to the work of training our boys and girls for future 
citizens along intellectual and spiritual lines. 



COUNTRY SCHOOLS. 

Fincher's Church is about 100 years old. A school was 
established there in the early history of the church. Miss 
Sarah Lifsey says she attended school there about 80 years 
ago. Rev. W. H. Cooper, a Baptist minister, was the teach- 
er. Miss Mary Harris, who became Mrs. R. L. Barrett 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 23 

taught there several years ago. Miss Carrie Chapman 
taught the school in 1921 and Miss Igene Carter is the 
teacher now (1922). There are 35 pupils and seven grades 
are taught. 

Lifsey School. 

Teachers for 1922-23 : Miss Adrian McGeehee, Miss Jes- 
sie Boynton. Eight grades are taught. 

Cook's School. 

Teachers for 1922-23: Mrs. E. J. Reeves, Miss Olga 
Reeves. Eight grades are taught. Number pupils, 96. 

Vega School. 

Teachers for 1922-23: Miss Grace Hartley, Miss Mat- 
thews. Seven grades are taught. 

Dunbar School. 

Teacher for 1922-23: Mrs. Eva Patton. Eight grades 
are taught. Number pupils 44. 

Johnson School. 

Teacher for 1922-23: Miss Ine Goulding. Seven grades 
are taught. 

Pedenville School. 

Teacher for 1922-23: Mrs. M. Whatley. Seven grades 
arj taught. Number pupils, 44. 

Beauchamp School. 

Teacher for 1922-23 : Mrs. E. J. Scott. Seven grades are 
taught. 

Union School. 

Teachers for 1922-23: Prof. Wm. Henry Reeves, Bessie 
Carter. Seven grades are taught. 



24 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 

Board of Education. 

Dr. J. C. Beauchamp, President, Williamson. I 

J. Morris Means, Zebulon. ' 

W. J. Reeves, R. F. D. 1, Zebulon. 
H. G. Langford, Meansville. 

Col. Frank L. Adams, County School Superintendent, 
Zebulon. 



HISTORY OF NEW HOPE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 

New Hope was organized as a congregational Methodist 
Church in 1852. The church house was built in 1853. Rev. 
W. H. Graham was its first pastor. In 1888 the church 
formed a union with two other churches (the Congrega- 
tional and Free Protestant Churches) and left off the Meth- 
odist part of its name and has since been known as New 
Hope Congregational Church. The church now is composed 
of 95 members. It has a Sunday School of 30 members and 
a Ladies' Aid Society. Dr. D. Witherspoon Dodge of the 
Atlanta Theological Seminary is its present pastor, and 
Early Owen is church clerk. Rev. Jones Bush was pastor of 
this church for a number of years. 



LIBERTY CHAPEL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

This church was organized February, 1893, by Rev. Wm. 
H. Graham, Jr., in the home of Mr. W. W. King, about one 
mile from Lifsey Spring. Bro. Graham was the first pas- 
tor. Mr. W. W. King and children and Mr. Jeff Foster and 
family were among the charter members. Mr. Jas. R. Wood, 
a member of New Hope Congregational Church, rendered 
valuable assistance in organizing the church and in erecting 
the church building. The church was built in 1895, and 
dedicated on the third Sunday in September of that year. 

Rev. Gideon Home, the present earnest and zealous pas- 
tor, has served this church as pastor several times in the 
past. 



HISTORY OF P IKE COUNTY 25 

FRIENDSHIP PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

Friendship Presbyterian Church was organized in 1835 
by Rev. J. Y. Alexander and Rev. A. M. Money. At this 
time it was in the Flint River Presbytery which existed be- 
fore the Atlanta Presbytery. The original site of the church 
was in the Western part of Pike County, three miles and a 
half northwest of Concord. To make the church more cen- 
tral to its membership it was moved about 1870 to its pres- 
ent location. 

In the early days of the church annual campmeetings 
were held. The church has been fortunate in having many 
devout and consecrated men to serve it. Rev. J. W. Corbin 
was pastor for many years. He drove over a hundred miles 
through the country in a buggy to meet his appointments. 
W. J. Keith supplied the church for a number of years. In 
1849 Rev. Andrew G. Peden became pastor and served for 
twenty years. He was succeeded by Rev. L. H. Wilson, who 
was pastor for three years. Rev. Peden then resumed the 
pastorate and held it until his death in 1896. Since that 
time the church has been supplied by Rev. W. E. Dozier, 
Rev. Abraham, Rev. Stacy, Rev. Hannah, Rev. Young, Rev. 
E. W. Russell, Rev. W. P. Hemphill, Rev. Stafford, Rev. L. 
D. King and others. Seminary students occasionally have 
supplied the church. 

Rev. Tellford, of Greenville, Ga., is supplying the church 
at present with the following officers : 

Elders— D. P. Blake, A. E. Blake and Perrin Blake. 

Deacons — Jesse L. Marshall and Edgar Huckaby. 

Although the church has lost many of its members, by 
deaths and moving away, it is at the present time growins* 
in influence and numbers and the prospects for the future 
are bright — having recently organized for the community 
a Woman's Auxiliary and a Junior and Senior Christian En- 
deavor 



26 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 

NAZARENE BAPTIST CHURCH 

In 1893, a church was organized in the southwestern parlj 
of Pike County, called the United Baptist Church. In 1908 
it was reorganized as the Nazarene Church. The present 
pastor is Rev. W. R. Hanson. 

There are 37 members on the church roll and 78 on the 
Sunday School roll. ,/ 

The officers are. Sunday School Superintendent, J. M; 
Butler; Asst. Supt., J. A. King; Bible Class Teacher, S. J. 
Gibson ; Juvenile Teacher, Miss Nettie Gibson ; Picture Card 
Class, Mrs. J. M. Butler; Secretary, Miss Lottie May King. 



STORY OF CONCORD 

Nearly a century ago settlers began to move into West 
Pike, which at that time was but a stretch of wild forest 
land over run with Indians and wild animals. These pio- 
neers began building log cabins for homes and clearing the 
forests for farm lands. As there were no railroads in the 
state, farm produce was hauled to Macon where small boats 
came up the Ocmulgee. 

As the community grew with the coming of other settlers, 
there was built about eighty years ago the first church, the 
Primitive Baptist, called "Concord", which gave the towu 
its name. This building was moved in 1886 to make room 
for the Georgia Midland and Gulf Railway, and a hew 
church was erected. About the same time the first school- 
house was built, at which the grandparents of some of the 
present generation were educated. ':^n':-±^ :•;■■ jfv'^n^irfjf^i 

About eighty years ago the Central Railroad reached 
Griffin enabling our people to do their marketing nearer 
home. With the advent of the Georgia Midland Railway 
in 1887 the town began to grow. New stores were started 
and old ones were rebuilt. Old Salem, the Methodist 



HISTORY OF P IK E COUNTY 27 

Church, moved to town in 1888 and Hebron, the Baptist 
Church, came in from the country about the same time. The 
schoolhouse at that time was a small building just across 
the street from the present one. The principal was Prof. 
R. D. Shruptrine of Thomaston, Ga. 

The first charter was granted in 1887 and signed by Grov, 
John B. Gordon. In January, 1888, the first town council 
was formed, composed of the following members: E. M. 
Hooten, T. L. McLendon, W. E. Lloyd, N. B. Waller and J. C. 
Irvin. N. B. Waller and J. C. Irvin still live ; the others have 
gone to their reward. Concord is an orderly and a prosper- 
ous town. For several years about 5,000 bales of cotton 
were marketed here, but the advent of the boll weevil has 
greatly reduced the number. The people take great interest 
in beautifying their homes, and several very handsome resi- 
dences have recently been erected. '; ^''^ '""". 

The following firms do business here: 

: Pike County Nursery, A. A. McElveen. 

Fancy Groceries, Miss Essie McLendon. 

Fancy Groceries, D. W. Story. 

General Merchandise, J. F. Madden & Sons, Fertilizer 
Mixers, Cotton Buyers, Bankers, Warehousemen, Growers 
of Peppers and Peaches. 

R. F. Strickland & Co., General Merchants, Fertilizer Mix- 
ers, Cotton Buyers, Corn Elevator and Mill, Undertakers. 

-Raven & Smith, General Merchants. 

J. C. Irvin, General Merchant. 

Lee & Strickland, General Merchants. 

J. A. Madden, Fancy Groceries. 
-'. .Chas. Morgan, Fancy Groceries and Ice, Livery Auto. , 

R. A. Mallory, Physician and Druggist. 

D. L. Head, Physician. 

Braswell & Sharpe, Blacksmiths and Repair Shop. 



28 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 



Waller & Lee, Blacksmiths and Repair Shop. ^ 

Postmaster, R. E. Lee. 1 

Garage, D. B. Lee and D. G. Tucker. 

Present Town Council : Mayor, E. L. Raven ; Clerk, E. F. 
Scott. Councilmen: R. C. Blanks, H. P. Edwards, E. F. 
Scott, D. W. Story, and R. H. Strickland. 

Smith Bros. Nurseries. 

Concord is probably known by more people than any other 
town of its size in the South. One business firm her doubt- 
less serves more customers than any other establishment in 
the State. 

We refer to Smith Bros., the nurserymen. This business 
was established 35 years ago, by J. H. & C. T. Smith and 
has now grown to be the largest retail nursery in the South. 
They ship trees to almost every railroad station in the 
Southern States and they number their customers by the 
hundred thousand. Trees and plants from Smith Bros, are 
grown around nearly every home in the cotton belt. 

Trees are grown here by the million. They grow more 
peach trees than anything else, but also have large blocks 
of apple, pear, plum, pecan, rose, ornamentals and other 
stock. From 50 to 100 people are employed to work in their 
office, packing houses and fields. 

Mr. C. T. Smith is business manager of the firm, and is 
assisted by Mr. F. M. Smith, and a good force of office work- 
ers. The field department is run by Mr. J. H. Smith, assist- 
ed by Mr. C. M. Smith. 

The Concord Woman*s Club. 

The Concord Woman's Club was organized Sept. 9, 1921, 
with 21 members — ^present membership, including honor- 
ary members, 30. The officers elected for the year were: 

Mrs. Florence Brown, President. 

Mrs. W. A. Strickland, Vice-President. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 29 



Mrs. R. H. Strickland, Second Vice-President. 

Mrs. R. C. Blanks, Secretary. 

Miss Sallie Mae Strickland, Treasurer. 

The purpose of the Club is community work, for we be- 
lieve like our wise president of the General Federation of 
Woman's Clubs, Mrs. Winter, that "Community work must 
be the hub of the wheel in Club work." 

During the first year of our club's existence, all our efforts 
have been used to improve our school. Among the things 
accomplished are: Assistance rendered in equipping the 
domestic science department, beautifying the school grounds, 
helping to make a payment on electric light plant and im- 
proving the interior of our dormitory. 

The money used in financing our activities was raised by 
giving entertainments of various kinds at intervals through- 
out the year, and by selling refreshments at ball games dur- 
ing the summer. 

In giving these entertainments and in selling refresh- 
ments our object was two-fold, first, of course, to make 
money for the use of the club, and second, to provide whole- 
some, interesting and inexpensive recreation for both old 
and young in our community, and the importance of giving 
every one his money's worth in the matter of both enter- 
tainment and refreshment was stressed. 

The registering of our women and their voting in the fall 
elections is a far reaching event in the first year of the Con- 
cord Woman's Club. 

But by far the most satisfactory achievement of our first 
club year has been the wonderful spirit of love, sympathy 
and cooperation among the women of Concord. 

HISTORY OF CONCORD MUSIC LOVERS CLUB. 

The Music Lovers Club of Concord, Ga., was organized at 
the Dormitory on October 16th, 1921. At the first meeting, 
which was held at the home of Mrs. C. T. Smith, twenty- 



30 H ISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 

three were present and enrolled as members. The following 
officers were elected for the ensuing year: 

Miss Vera Lazenby, President. 

Miss Ruth Sullivan, Vice-President. ' 

Miss Mary Clary, Secretary. . 

Mrs. C. T. Smith, Treasurer. 

Misses Vera Lazenby, Ruth Sullivan, Elsie Brown, Mary 
Irvin and Mrs. Bessie Lee, Program Comtnittee. 

Miss Elsie Brown was elected Secretary to fill the unex- 
pired term of Miss Mary Clary. 

It was decided that each member pay 25c dues for the 
first year and that we, meet once a month, also that we joir. 
the County and State Federation.* Membership was denied 
in the General Federation on. Recount of- youth of the Club. 

. The object of the Club -is the enjoyment of its mem 
bers and to promote and develop the love for-g^od music. 

The Club has followed the outline for Club Study "Ameri- 
canization Through Music" issued by the General Federa- 
tion of Women's Clubs. ^ 

A play was given during the summer, by the Club mem- 
bers, and a nice sum realized — .money to be used for run- 
ning expenses for the Club and purchasing necessary mate- 
rial. 

Present membership, including all who enrolled during 
the year (some having moved away) and honorary mem- 
bers, numbers thirty-five. : ■.:. jv 

— ■:: : -jE 
...-■;• -iub;> 

HEBRON BAPTIST CHURCH 

Hebron Baptist Church, Concord, Ga., was constituted 
October 6, 1838. John H. Mjlner was the first pastor. Later 
pastors were: J. M. Wood, 1870 to 1873; J. A. Jackson-, 



HISTORY O F PIKE COUNTY 31 

1874 to 1878; E. M. Hooten, 1878 to 1890; W. A. Brooks," 
R. F. Smith, J. C. Solomon, J. P. Lee, J. W. R. Jenkins, W. 
C. Ivey, W. J. D. Upshaw, and F. P. Glass. The present 
pastor is W. C. Jones; Clerk, R. H. McLendon ; Treasurer 
Current Expenses, E. T, Scott ; Treasurer Benevolent Funds, 
John B. Madden ; Deacons, W. A. Bottoms, J. C. Irvin, W. 
M. Marshall, John B. Madden, J. H. Reeves, W. A. Strick- 
land, J. H. Strickland ; Sunday School Superintendent, S. A. 
King-; Asst. Supt., John W. Oxford; Secretary and Treas- 
urer, R. H. Strickland; number of teachers, eight; number 
of pupils, 125. 

Woman's Missionary Union: President, Mrs. J. C. Irvin ; 
Secretary, Mrs. R, H. Strickla,iid ; number memberg, 32, 

Girls Auxiliary and Royal Ambassadors : number on roll, 
25. Leader, Mrs. R. H. Strickland. 

Sunbeam Band : • Leader, Mrs. C. B. Jones - number on 
roll, 25: ■' ;' • 

Number members on present church roll, 285. 

• The present church building was erected in 1887 at a cost 
of $4,000.00. 

The pastorium was purchased in 1917, value $3,000.00. 



'! CONCORD METHODIST CHURCH. 

Salem Church was organized in the early days of Method- 
ism in Pike County, but as the old records have been lost, 
we cannot give dates. Among the early members were the 
Fossett and Beckham families. In 1888, the church was 
ijioved to Concord. The oldest living member of the church 
is Mrs. Mary Mallory, a sister of ex-Governor Atkinson and 
mother of Dr. R. A. Mallory. After a long life of conse- 
crated service she still abides, patiently waiting the Mas- 
ter's call. 

Rev. W,. A. Warwick is the present pastor. Names of 



32 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 

Board of Stewards: Dr. R. A. Mallory, Jesse C. Beckham, 
John Fossett, and R. W. Hale. Number of members on 
church roll, 60. Sunday School Superintendent, H. H. Bran- 
denburg. Number enrolled in Sunday School, 35. 

John H. Hooten was one of the Stewards when the church 
was moved to town. 



CHRISTIAN CHURCH 

A Christian Church was organized at Pedenville Sept. 2, 
1902. At a tent meeting held in Concord in August, 1904, 
it was decided to move the church to Concord. The present 
building was erected in 1905 and dedicated the same year. 
The first pastor was D. A. Brindle, who now lives in Grif- 
fin. The first Elders were W. L. Marshall and F. Mortimer 
Smith. The first Deacon was C. T. Smith. The church 
membership is about 100. The value of the church prop- 
erty is $2500. The Sunday School was organized in 1905. 



CONCORD SCHOOL. 

The following is the faculty of Concord School for the 
year 1922-23: Clyde M. Carpenter, Superintendent; Miss 
Lois Collier, Latin and English ; Miss Wyoline Hanson, 
Science and Mathematics, and Athletics; Mrs. Clyde M. 
Carpenter, 6th and 7th Grades; Miss Eifie Cason, 4th and 
5th Grades, and Athletics ; Miss Gertie Morris, 2nd and 3rd 
Grades, and Athletics; Miss Clara Dean, 1st Grade and 
Domestic Science; Miss Vera Lazenby, Music; Miss Helen 
Johnson, Expression. 

The Board of Education is as follows: John B. Madden, 
Chairman; R. H. Strickland, Secretary and Treasurer; Dr. 
R. A. Mallory, J. T. Fossett, and C. B. Strickland. 



HISTORY OF P IKE COUNTY 33 

STORY OF MOLENA 

Molena was incorporated in 1888. Some of the first resi- 
dents were J. J. Alford, J. W. Avery, R. M. Brooks, J. M. 
Brooks, J. N. Brooks, C. M. Blount, J. P. Carreker, Dr. J. M. 
Carreker, W. T. Cochran, Theo Rumble, Robert Guest, B. 
F. Cox, A. J. Carmichael, C. M. Daniel, F. E. Drewry, A. D. 
Granger, Dr. Joseph Hooten, S. L. Hardy, Allen Harris, J. 
T. Jordan, C. P. Jordan, J. H. Jordan, Mrs. J. B. Justice, 
Oscar Y. Legg, Dr. J. B. Matthews, J. H. McDowell. Dr. G. 
M. McDowell, C. F. Phelps, J. J. Riggins, W. H. Searcy, Dr. 
S. S. Steadman, J. M. Smith, D. W. Willis, C. W. Whatley, 
and Dr. S. T. Whitaker. 

Business Firms. 

J. 0. Bartlett & Co., General Mercantile. 

Harris & Willis, General Mercantile. 

S. 0. Bartlett, General Mercantile. 

D. M. Willis, General Mercantile. 

Jordan Mercantile Co., General Mercantile. 

Brooks Mercantile Co., General Mercantile. 

Mrs. J. A. Et)ply, Millinery and Fancy Groceries. 

Mrs. Rossie Girrard, Millinery and Fancy Groceries. 

Daniel Bros., Drug Store and Soda Fount. 

Post Office. 

J. H. Grubbs, M.D. 

Bank of Molena: J. C. Wilkes, Cashier; Cleo CaiTeker, 
Bookkeeper; Z. Lawrence, President; W. 0. Jordan, Vice- 
Pl-esdient; W. 0. Hardy, W. M. Barker, J. S. Dunn, and 
J. W. Capel, Directors. 

Other Industries. 

Molena Warehouse Co., Rock Warehouse Co., Molena Gin 



34 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 

Co., Molena Shop Co., J. T. Jordan & Son, Cotton Buyers 
and Dealers in Fertilizers ; J. S. Dunn, Dealer in Fertiliz- 
ers; Dunn & Willis, Cotton Buyers; D. M. Willis, Cotton 
Buyers; Bennett & Capel, Dealers in Fertilizers; L. M. 
Jones, Peach Grower, 200 acres in trees; Brooks Farm & 
O'rchard Co., 150 acres in trees; Mrs. S. L. Hardy, Hotel. 

Methodist Church. 

Org-anized Oct. 31, 18S2. First pastor. Rev, R, B. Hamlin. 

ether pastors: J. E. Russell, R. W. Rogers, J. W. Taylor, 
J. H. House, John M. Crow, C. B. Weathers, W. H. Speer, 
Paul Kendall, H. L. Embry, Oscar Bulloch, E. D. Hale, T. H. 
Maxwell. 

Members enrolled, 20. 

Stewards, Ralph Brown. J. C. Wilkes. 

Woman's Missionary Society, organized Aug. 31st, 1922: 
President, Mrs, W. D. Bennett ; Treasurer, Mrs. E. P. Jor- 
dan ; Secretary, Mrs. C. M. Smoak ; Corresponding Secre- 
tary, Mrs. J. C. Wilkes. 

On October 31, 1892, a deed to the lot on which the Meth- 
odist Church stands was made by Mrs. Julia Brooks to Jas. 
S. Pope, J. H. Hooten and Theo. Rumble. Among the early 
members were W. F. Cochran, J. H. Hooten, Theo Rumble 
and Mrs. S. L. Hardy, Mrs. Hardy has been a member of 
this church longer than any other member. 

.SKETCH OF MOLENA BAPTIST CHURCH— CENTEN- 
NIAL ASSOCIATION. 

Organized 1888. First pastor, Rev. Pritchard, two years, 
with a membership of 35, First Deacons, Jno. N. Brooks, 
H. G. Jordan, C. J. Dunn. First Superintendent, Jno. N. 
Brooks, eight years. 

Second Pastor, Frank Blalock, for five years. Member- 
ship, 60. Deacons, Jno. N. Brooks, H, G. Jordan, C. J. Dunn, 
J. T, Jordan. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 35 



Third Pastor, Judge Hammond, for three years. Member- 
ship, 75. Deacons, Jno. N. Brooks, N. G. Jordan, C. J. Dunn, 
J. F. Jordan, D. M. Willis, and J. P. Carreker. Superintend- 
ent, H. G. Jordan, six years. 

Fourth Patsor, Rev. Stout, 2 years. Membership, 80. 
Deacons, H. G. Jordan, C. J. Dunn, J. T. Jordan, D. M. Wil- 
lis, J. P. Carreker. 

Fifth Pastor, C. M. Brittain, four years. Membership, 90. 
Deacons, J. T. Jordan, D. M. Willis, J. P. Carreker, W. T. 
Cockrell. Superintendent, D. M. Wilhs, 18 years. 

Sixth Pastor, Rev, W. L. Bolton, one year. Membership, 
100. Deacons, J. T. Jordan, D. M. Willis, J. P. Carreker, W. 
D. Bennett, J. 0. Bartlett. 

Seventh Pastor, J. S. Knowles, seven years. Deacons, J. 
T. Jordan, D. M. Willis, J. P. Carreker, W. D. Bennett, J. O. 
Bartlett. 

8th Pastor, Dr. B. D. Ragsdale, three years. Membership, 
107. Deacons, J. T. Jordan. D. M. Willis, J. P. Carreker, W. 
D. Bennett, J. 0. Bennett. 

Ninth Pastor, Rev. Esco Logan, four years. Membership, 
115. Deacons, J. T. Jordan, D. M. Willis, J. P. Carreker, W. 
D. Bennett, J. 0. Bartlett. 

Present Pastor, Rev. H. L. Crumley. Present Deacons, 
J. T. Jordan, D. M. Willis, W. D. Bennett, J. 0. Bartlett, H. 
M. Hardy, C. R. Willis. Present membership, 118. Present 
Superintendent, D. M. Willio. Nine classes in Sunday School. 
Number enrolled in Sunday School, 100. 

W. M. Society: Organized about 1900. Mrs. H. G. Jor- 
dan, first President. Present President, Mrs. B. H. ivey. 
Number members, 20. 

B. Y. P. U. organized four years ago. Present member- 
ship, 45. Emmett Caldwell, President. 

Y. W. A. and Sunbeams organizations also. 



36 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 



MOLENA HIGH SCHOOL. 

R. H. Comer, Superintendent. Literary teachers, Misses 
Naomi Prather, Gertrude Pilkenton, Marion Pilkenton, Kate 
Lee, and Ethel Carreker. Musio teacher. Miss Ruth Willis. 
Expression teacher, Mrs. J. W. Capel. Eleven grades. 

MOLENA CIVIC CLUB. 

The Molena Civic Club was organized in 1908 and feder- 
ated in 1916. There are 38 members on the roll. The fol- 
lowing are officers: President, Mrs. W. 0. Jordan; Vice- 
President, Mrs. J. W. Capel; Secretary, Miss Miriam Jor- 
dan ; Treasurer, Mrs. J. S. Dunn. 

The object of the Club is to help beautify the town; to 
help the school financially, and to give the teachers our 
hearty cooperation and support. A good literary program 
is rendered at each meeting which is much enjoyed and is 
a source of pleasure and inspiration to all who attend. 

MOLENA MUSIC CLUB. 

The Molena Music Club was organized and federated in 
May, 1922, with 16 members. The following are the offi- 
cers: President, Miss Cleo Carreker; Vice-President, Miss 
Ruth Willis; Secretary, Miss Gertrude Pilkenton; Treas- 
urer, Miss Christine Wilkes. 

A musical program is rendered monthly. The aim of the 
Club is to encourage the love, appreciation and better un- 
derstanding of good music, and to learn something of the 
lives and work of noted musicians. 



STORY OF HOLLONVILLE 

Hollonville is not incorporated. There are two stores, 
keeping a general stock: R. C. Connell & Son, Yarbrough 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 37 

& Johnson. There is a piibhc ginnery and a tomato can- 
nery. 

The Hollonville school teaches eight grades, with an en- 
rollment of about 45 or 50. The teachers are Prof. Warren 
Coppedge, Principal, and Miss Gladys Scott, Assistant. 

The Hollonville Woman's Club was organized April 7, 
1920. The purpose of the Club was to establish and pro- 
mote a clean social, moral community friendship. In Jan- 
uary, 1921, we joined the Federation. We have seventeen 
members and our officers are as follows: Mrs. C. P. Scott, 
President; Mrs. Opal Coggin, Vice-President; Mrs. Essie 
Yarbrough, Secretary; Mrs. Frank Johnson, Treasurer. 

HOLLONVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH 

Hollonville Baptist Church was organized in 1874. The 
charter members were Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Milner, Mr. and 
Mrs. J. M. Scott, Mr. and Mrs. Z. T. Scott, Mrs. Jane Jack- 
son, Mrs. Mary Driver, Newton O'Neal, Mr. and Mrs. Wil- 
liam Edge. John L. Jackson was the first pastor. Services 
Were held in the school building until 1876, when a church 
was erected. This building was destroyed by a cyclone in 
1920, and the records were lost. A new church building 
was erected in 1921. Rev. C. B. Jones is pastor. 

In 1875 the church was deeded by G. W. Jordan and J. W. 
Banks to R. G. McAfee, J. J. Milner, Dr. B. M. Owen and 
J. L. Edge. 

The Deacons for 1922 are E. H. Scott, Z. L. Scott, and 
Robert Milner. 

HOLLONVILLE METHODIST CHURCH. 

We do not know just when Flat Rock Church was estab- 
lished. The Quarterly Conference records dating back to 
1846 show that it was a strong church then for those times. 
In 1892, the name was changed to Hollonville and the fol- 
lowing are named as Trustees: W. S. Scott, W. T. Huckaby 



38 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 

and J. W. Hood. In the Trustees' report, they state that 
the church was comparatively new and worth $1000. It 
remains on the Zebulon Circuit records through 1896, when 
it was placed on some other work. In 1902, the Hollonville 
Church re-appears on the Zebulon Circuit, and continues on 
that work through 1916, when it Was placed on another cir- 
cuit. It is now on the Griffin Circuit and Rev. J. H. Farr is 
the pastor (1922). There are about 20 names on the church 
roll. The following are Stewards: E. J. Scott, M. S. John- 
son and E. B. Connell. 

Among the early settlers, who as members of Flat Rock 
Church, helped to make Methodist history in Pike County, 
Cadesman Pope, the head of the Pope family, deserves hon- 
orary mention. His son. Rev. Cadesman Pope, after long 
years of active service in the ministry, is now a superan- 
nuated member of the Arkansas Conference. Another son, 
Judge Jas. S. Pope, served his generation by the will of God, 
and at the time of his death was an active member of the 
Methodist Church in Zebulon. A daughter married Mr. 
Owen Jones, and they and their children were members of 
Flat Rock Church for years. Another daughter married 
Rev. J. Sidney Bryan, a member of the North Georgia Con- 
ference, who served both as pastor and presiding elder in 
Pike County. Mrs. W. J. Franklin is a daughter of Owen 
Jones. Mrs. J. M. Head is a daughter of Mr. Cadesman 
Pope. 



STORY OF MEANSVILLE 

The town of Meansville was incorporated in 1898. The 
following are the city officers: Mayor, H. G. Langford; 
members of the Council, W. F. Reeves, W. B. Maddox, B. E. 
Wilson, H. S. Bishop and J. W. Holloway, Jr. P. T. Wilson 
is Marshal. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 39 



The following are the business firms : 

Robt. R. Carter, General Merchandise and Undertaker. 
Established in 1910. 

Slader-Reeves & Co., General Merchandise and Groceries. 
Established in 1916. 

C. W. Bankston, General Merchandise. Established in 
1914. 

W. T. Holloway, Groceries. Established in 1922. 

Miss Mary Bloodworth, Millinery. 

R. P. Barrett & W. Herman Means, Cotton Buyers. 

Wm. M. Hartly, Jr., Lumber, Bldg. Material and Grist 
Mill. 

Echo Mountain Fruit Co., Peaches, Tomatoes and Pota- 
toes. Established in 1918. 

Postmistress, Miss Lucy Slade. 

Railroad Agent, H. G. Maulden. 

Jones Hotel, Mrs. Minnie Chapman, 

Meansville Gin Co. 

Meansville Fertilizer Co. 

Farmers Gin & Warehouse Co. 

H. G. Langford, Insurance Agent. 

B. E. Wilson, Printing. 

T. C. Barrett, Barber Shop. 

Garage, J. S. Clark, Prop. 

J. D. Ferguson, Shop and Repair Work. 

The following are the officers of the Meansville Bank: 
President, U. L. Taylor; Vice-President, J. W. Holloway; 
Cashier, Grady Langford; Bookkeeper, Geo. Smith. This 
Bank was established August 1, 1911. 

Among the most progressive farmers of this section of 



40 HI STORY OF PIKE COUNTY 

the County are U. L. Taylor, J. C. Norris, T. A. Lifsey, and 
W. T. Cochran. 

Taylor Springs and Lifsey are resort places. The waters 
of each have healing properties. There is quite a little vil- 
lage at Lifsey. Mr. W. E. Storey runs a mercantile and 
family grocery business. There are a number of cottages 
occupied during the hot months and the swimming pools are 
Ciowded with bathers. 

MEANSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL. 

In 1880, a school was started at New Hope Congregational 
Church, about one mile from Meansville. Miss Carrie Fryar 
was teacher and the following were trustees: Jas. W. 
Means, J. L. Aldred, J. C. Chapman, Theo Williams and 
Henry Nelson. This school was moved to Meansville in 
1903 and the following were trustees: J. W. Holloway, Jos. 
C. Slade, J. Morris Means, W. C. and Early Owen. The fol- 
lowing were teachsrs: Dr. Herler, Miss Lucy Floyd and 
Miss M. Rawls. The present trustees are: H. G. Langford, 
Early Owen, Dr. J. C. Bramlstt, W. F. Reeves and J. C. 
Slade. Faculty for Fall term 1922 : Rev. J. Seaborn Winn, 
Mrs. E, B. Horn, Miss Florence Carter, Miss Fannie Maud 
Norris, Mrs. W. D. Howell, Music. Ten grades are taught. 
Present enrollment ? ? 

Woman's Improvement Club. 

Meansville Woman's Improvement Club was organized in 
March, 1921, with about six or seven members. Mrs. E. B. 
Home, President; Mrs. Maie Slade, Vice-President; Miss 
Florine Carter, Secretary and Treasurer; Mrs. Henry Bish- 
op, Corresponding Secretary. At present the membership 
is twelve, and the same officers with the exception of Mrs. 
Colie Slade who is Secretary and Treasurer. 

THE MEANSVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The Meansville Baptist Church was orgjinized August 18, 



HISTORY OF P IKE COUNTY 41 

1885. Bro. Harry Wells of Zebulon, Ga., was the first pas- 
tor. He served as long as he was able. Then these other 
dearly beloved men served us (I do not know just the years 
they served) : Bro. W. A. Brooks, Fayetteville, Ga. ; W. H. 
Durham, a Mercer student, Macon, Ga. ; T. E. Qine ; W. H. 
Brown, Thomaston, Ga. ; J. Q. Buffington, Milner, Ga.; A. 
C. Smith, Griffin, Ga. ; W. C. Oliver, Milner, Ga. ; L. Hooten, 
Zebulon, Ga.; W. U. Kendrick, Griffin, Ga. ; W. B. Whittle, 
Griffin, Ga., and T. J. Espy, Mercer student, Macon, Ga. 
The present pastor is J. W. R. Jenkins, Zebulon, Ga. 

In 1912 a Woman's Missionary Society was organized 
with Mrs. O. T. Dewberry, President; Mrs. G. M. Shehee, 
Secretary and Treasurer. The society has grown from four 
to twenty members. It has missed only a few meetings 
since its organization. It keeps its dues paid up and does 
a great deal of personal service work. 

In 1921, having outgrown the old building and it being 
unsuitable for Sunday School purposes, under the leadership 
of our able pastor, J. W. R. Jenkins, and our Sunday School 
Superintendent, H. G. Langford, it was decided on account 
of financial conditions to build a temporary house of wor- 
ship. A lot was purchased in the center of the town and a 
nice tabernacle was erected, consisting of four double Sun- 
day School department rooms and the main auditorium. 
The church has now a membership of 105. There are en- 
rolled in the Sunday School 124. 

The first deacons of the church were V. H. Collier, R. W. 
McGinty and J. M. Ferguson. The present deacons are A. 
C. Jones, W. D. Vining and H. G. Langford. The clerk of 
the church is J. C. Collier. 

The Sunday School has been an **A-1" Standard School 
for the past three years. 

This church has contributed to the $75,000,000 Campaign 
in the last three years nearly one thousand dollars. 



42 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 



STORY OF ZEBULON 

Zebulon was incorporated in 1825. Among the early set- 
tlers were W. E. Mangham, John N. Neal, John N. Man- 
gham, Allen Pryor and Samuel Mitchell. 

The Bank cf Zebulon. 

The Bank of Zebulon was organized as branch of the Citi- 
zens Bank of Barnesville and began business Sept. 1st, 1902. 
The officers at this time were J. W. Cabaniss, President; 
W. J. Franklin, Vice-President; C. R. Gwyn, Cashier; E. F. 
Dupree, P. M. Sullivan, J. W. Means and S. A. Howell with 
above officers were Directors. 

First bank building was erected in 1903 and destroyed by 
fire in 1904. Organized in 1905 as State bank with charter 
dated March 18, 1905, the charter members being C. H. 
Humphrey, R. P. Spencer, J. M. Means, C. R. Gwyn, P. M. 
Sullivan, W. J. Franklin and E. F. Dupree. The capital stock 
was $15,000 which was increased to $16;500 in 1908 and to 
$25,000 in 1910. Now has surplus and undivided profits of 
$25,000. The following are officers and directors: W. J. 
Franklin, President; P. M. SuUivan, Vice-President; C. R. 
Gwyn, Cashier; J. H, Baker, Asst. Cashier; E. F. Dupree, 
Attorney ; M. M. Head, J. M. Means, and W. C. Norris Direc- 
tors. In 1920 the new building on the corner was completed, 
and has been occupied since. 

Business Firms of Zebulon. 

In 1894 P. M. Sullivan and E. H. Baker began business, 
under the firm name of Sullivan & Baker. Soon afterwards, 
P. M. Sullivan bought E. H. Baker's interest. On Feb. 1st, 
1895 J. M. and B. Slade bought a half interest in the busi- 
ness, the firm name being Sullivan & Slade. On Jan. 1, 1901, 
B. Slade retired and J. J. Slade came into the firm. On Jan. 
1, 1909, the firm was reorganized, and incorporated under 
its present name, the members being A. A. Howell, J. J. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 43 



Slade, Leon H. Rawls, W. S. Slade, J. M. Slade and P. M. 
Sullivan. On Jan. 1, 1914, A. A. Howell sold his interest to 
the other members of the firm. The firm of Sullivan-Slade 
Co. run a department store, dealing in dry goods, groceries, 
furniture, hardware, plantation supplies, etc. 

In 1887, the firm of Adams & Franklin was formed to do 
a general merchandise business. In 1890, Mr. Adams re- 
tired, and the business has been run by W. J. Franklin since. 
The building was burned in 1904, and the present building 
erected in 1906. 

Hotels. 

The Ballard House is run by the Misses Ballard. 

The Howard House is run by Miss Evelyn Howard and 
Mrs. Ruth Wright. The excellent table kept by these sis- 
ters attract many traveling men to Zebulon. 

In 1899, O. L. Pierce opened up business. In 1902, C. B. 
Pierce entered the business under the firm name of C. B. 
Pierce & Co. In 1910, 0. L. Pierce withdrew, and C. B. 
Pierce has been doing a general merchandise business since. 
His store was built in 1905 and was the first store in Zebu- 
Ion to have show windows. 

Miller G. Harrison opened up a lumber business in 1913. 
Since his death, an interest has been sold in the business, 
and it is now the Tidwell Lumber Co. 

John Presley has been running a family grocery since 
November, 1916. 

The Zebulon Gin & Fertilizer Co. was organized in 1892 
by the Gate City Oil Co. with J. Morris Means as manager. 
In 1910, it was reorganized with J. Morris Means, President, 
and J. W. Holloway, Vice-President. The Fertilizer plant 
has a yearly capacity of 5,000 tons. In the ginning depart- 
ment there are two batteries of four gins each, with a capac- 



44 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 

ity of 100 bales per day. There is warehouse room for 2,000 
bales of cotton. The warehouse is bonded by the U. S. Gov- 
ernment. 

Zebulon Drug Store. Owned by Dr. M. M. Head. Man- 
aged by Grover Hooten. 

Physicians of Zebulon are Dr. Marvin M. Head and Dr. 
J. R. Graves. 

The Corn Mill is operated by the Brown Bros. 

The Shoe Repair Shop is run by J. H. McGlon. 

The Zebulon Garage is managed by Mr. Albert J. Bush. 

Peach Industry. 

Roger Dunn has 100 acres in peaches, and he and P. M. 
Sullivan jointly own another 100 acres. P. M. Sullivan also 
own another orchard of 40 acres. 

Tomatoes and potatoes are also grown for market by W. 
M. Caldwell, L. H. Rawls and Josie Dunn. 

Dr. Chas. L. Watkins has been practicing dentistry for 
several years. 

Douglas S. Barrett began a family grocery business in 
1919. 

Wm. J. Sla-f^:' opened a market and family grocery in 
1922. 

Lewis Garret runs an up-to-date barber shop. 

Geo. McCoy, brick mason. 

Ralph McCoy, plumber. 

Rev. Robt. L. Barron is the obliging and efficient post- 
master at Zebulon. 

Zebulon is on the Southern Railway. R. L. Culbreth is 
agent. 

Zebulon Live Stock Co., P. M. Sullivan, W. S. Slade, and 
Col. E. M. Owen. The business is managed by Wm. S. Slade. 



HISTORY OF P I KE COUNTY 45 

Zebulon Potato Drying House is oprated by the following: 
Sullivan-Slade Co., Dr. M. Head, J. W. Storey, Judge E. F. 
Dupree, Walter Harrison. 

Wiley Mitchell carries the mail on R. F. D. Route 2, and 
John Baker carries Route 1. 

Carl McKinley, auto repairing and general blacksmith. 

The following are builders and contractors: Cadesman 
Banks, H. Brazier and Chas. 0. Canafax. 

John N. Harp began business in 1912. He does a general 
merchandise and grocery business. 

The firm, of Beckham & Beckham opened a market and 
family grocery business in 1909, Marvin B. Beckham 
bought out Glen Beckham in 1920. 

City Council for 1922: Mayor, Dr. J. R. Graves; Mayor 
Pro-tem, H. A, Rider; Dr, Chas. L, Watkins, Wm, S. Slade, 
Cadesman Banks ; Clerk, John H. Baker. 

Marshals: Wm. Williams and Robt. Chapman. 

The Southern Eell Telephone Exchange is managed by 
Miss Vallie Brazier, 

Zebulon has a very satisfactory water supply system, 

Spencer Means and Allen Corley deserve a great deal of 
credit for spending their vacation in truck farming. 

All honor to Jas. Howell for spending his vacation in use- 
ful employment, thus helping to pay his own expenses at 
Emory University. 

The Pike County Journal was established by Parry Lee 
in 1886, and was edited by him until 1893. S. R. Green 
edited a paper called "The Pike County Times," for a few 
years. The two papers were aftrwards consolidated. W. J. 
Franklin owned the paper for several years. In 1904 after 
. the consolidation of the papers. Col. E. M. Owen bought it 
and edited it until 1912 when he sold it to Dr. J. M. Head. 
In 1922, Dr, Head's health failing, he sold it to the present 
editor, H. D. Weaver. 



46 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 



Zebulon Woman's Club. 

The Zebulon Woman's Club was organized in March, 1917, 
with 15 members. They later entered the State Federation 
and their co-operation and helpful activity have more than 
once called forth the commendation of tlie State club offi- 
cers. Their work has been eminently worth while in build- 
ing up a better community and a finer citizenship. This 
club has the honor of giving the District Federation its 
present president, Mrs. R. C. Johnson. 

Zebulon Music Study Club. 

Zebulon Music Study Club was organized April 27, 1920, 
with 16 charter members. Twenty-one other members have 
joined since. It was admitted to the Federation of Music 
Clubs July, 1922. Officers, 1922-23: President, Mrs. W. D. 
Howell; Vice-President, Mrs. F, L. Adams; Secretary, Mrs. 
W. M. Marsh ; Treasurer, Mrs. R. W. Dunn ; Publicity Agent, 
Miss Miriam Rogers. The object of the club is the study 
of music. Monthly meetings are held at which musical pro- 
grams are rendered. 

Zebulon Woman's Christian Temperance Union. 

The Zebulon Woman's Christian Temperance Union was 
organized Friday afternoon, March 18, 1910, at the Baptist 
Church under the direction of Mrs. Florence E. Atkins, Na- 
tional organizer, Nashville, Tenn. (she now lives in Savan- 
nah, Ga.). 

Charter officers and members were: Mrs. W. J. Frank- 
lin, President ; Mrs. J. H. Means, Treasurer ; Mrs. C. J. Dick- 
son, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. W. D. Howell, Record- 
ing Secretary ; Mrs. J. W. R. Jenkins, Mrs. W. H. Speer, Mrs. 
R. C. Matthews, Mrs. R. D. Adams, Mrs. J. E. Eppinger, 
Miss Lida Franklin, Miss Janie Lou Floyd, Miss Kathleen 
Adams, Miss Dora Speer, Mr. Hendrix Reid, honorary mem- 
ber. 



HISTORY OF P IKE COUNTY 47 

The Woman's Christian Temperance Union is an organ- 
ization of Christian women banded together for the protec- 
tion of the home, the abolition of the liquor traffic and the 
triumph of Christ's Golden Rule in custom and in law. 

The motto is "For God and Home and Native Land." The 
motto of the National W. C. T. U. is "For God and Home 
and Every Land." 

The bade is a bow of white ribbon that is symbolic not 
only of purity and peace, but includes all the correlated re- 
forms that center in the protection of the home. 

The good resulting from the efforts of this faithful and 
prayerful band of women can not be estimated. 

There are twenty-nine active members and fourteen hon- 
orary members at present. May there be many more Chris- 
tian women and men to join this useful organization and 
thereby make this old world a better place in which to live. 

The officers for 1922 and 1923 are: Mrs. G. B. Ridley, 
•President; Mrs. J. W. R. Jenkins, Treasurer; Mrs. P. H. Sul- 
livan, Secretary. 



Schools of Pike County. 

Through the kindness of Miss Lizzie R. Mitchell, who 
gave a numbei- of years of her consecrated life to faithful, 
efficient teaching, which has been a benediction to Pike 
County, we ai'e enabled to present some very interesting in- 
formation about the teachers in Zebulon and the adjacent 
country. Her grandfather was the first teacher. In those 
days there were two schools. The male academy stood 
about where Capt. Howard now lives, and the female acad- 
omy near where the present school buildings stand. 

I append a list of teachers, who taught in and around 
Zebulon. 

Before the Civil War: E W. Wells, John Stewart. Thig- 



48 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 

pen, Miss Davison, Rogers, Stone, Dodson, A. E. Eubanks. 

After the Civil War: Harry Wells, W. H. Pritchard, Fer- 
gerson, Gus Harris, J. N. Brooks. R. D. Adams, Jas. Wil- 
liams, G. B. and W. B. Merritt, Miss Minnie Merritt, Miss 
Nell Merritt (Mrs. A. B. Pope) assisted. W. A. Mitchell, P. 
F. Brown, Broadinax, C. B. Matthews, Harley Lawson. 

This brings us to about 1902 when the Zebulon school 
was deeded to the M. E. Church, South, and named the Grif- 
fin District Institute. The following were the presidents in 
the order mentioned: Rev. C. V. Weathers, J. E. Smith, 
A. H. Stevens, Rev. Geo. E. Rosser, and Rev. J. R. Speer. 
In 1912, the school was deeded back to local trustees and 
became the Zebulon High School. Since the change the fol- 
lowing have been principals : Prof. T. J. Gardner and Miss 
Lizzie R. Mitchell. Eleven grades are taught. The school 
opened Sept. 4, 1922, with an enrollment of 256. The pres- 
ent faculty is: Rev. A. J. Hargrove, Principal; Miss Mary 
Lucy Hargrove, 1st grade; Miss Mirian Hunt, 2nd and 3rd 
grades ; Miss Vera Courson, 4th and 5th grades ; Miss Emily 
Drake, 6th and 7th grades ; Miss Sarah Harrison, latin and 
history ; Miss Irene Redding, English and French ; Miss 
Sybil Akin, mathematics and science ; Miss M. L. Hargrove, 
domestic science; Mrs. R. C. Johnson, music. 

The enrollment for the spring term will be much larger. 



Zebuloit Methodist Church. 

We cannot find out wlien the first Methodist Church was 
established in Zebulon, but as the first Methodist preacher 
was sent to Pike County in 1823 it must have been soon 
after the county site was moved there. None of the early 
churches were deeded until several years after their estab- 
lishment. The court records show that on June 6, 1842, a 
deed was made to the following trustees : Jas. Beckham, Jas. 
Neal, Isaac E. Nunnally, Robt. M. Stegar, Wm. M. Barrett, 



HISTORY OF P IKE COUNTY 49 

Sr., Solomon G. Beckham and Andrew J. Beckham. In the 
early days, the circuits were large, but as the churches grew 
new circuits were established. For a number of years there 
were four churches on the Zebulon Circuit, with preaching 
at each church once a month. During the pastorate of Rev. 
J. Walter King, there was a gracious revival, and the church 
took on new life and power, and at the request of the Board 
of Stewards, Zebulon was made a half station, in 1915, with 
preaching twice a month. The other churches on the charge 
are Finchsrs and Concord. The present pastor (1922) is 
Rev. Adrian Warwick. The following are the Stewards: 
E. M. Pope, J. Morris Means, W. D. Howell, Wm. S. Slado, 
Hartford Green, and Dr. Marvin M. Head. Church Secre- 
tary, G. B. Ridley. Number of members is 160. 

The Zebulon Sunday School, under the management of 
the efficient and up-to-date superintendent, has grown rap- 
idly in numbers, attendance and zeal. There are 148 names 
now on the roll, and it is thoroughly organized in every de- 
partment. The following are the officers: E. Martin Pope, 
Superintendent; Frank L. Adams, Secretary; Capt. J. F. 
Howard is president of Men's Bible Class ; G. B. Ridley and 
John C. Wood are the teachers. Since the death of Mrs. 
Richard W. Rogers, Mrs. Susan Pope has been the teacher 
of the Woman's Bible Class. 

Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of Zebulon M. E. 
Church, South. 

The first society was organized February 4, 1889, with 
the following officers: President, Miss Minnie Merritt; 
Vice-President, Mrs. Will Wells ; Recording Secretary, Mrs. 
S. R. England; Corresponding Secretary, Miss Mattie 
Green ; Treasurer, Mrs. J. L. Driver. The society has been 
in existence since its organization, but for the last few years 
it has taken on new life and is now doing fine work. They 
have an .interesting Mission Study Class in connection with 
the society. Below is a list of the present officers: Presi- 
dent, Mrs. W. J. Franklin; Supt. of Young People's Work, 



50 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 



Mrs. H. L. Green ; Siipt. of Junior Work, Mrs. J. M. Means ; 
Social Service, Mrs. F. L. Adams ; Study and Publicity, Mrs. 
W. D. Berry; Supplies, Mrs. Laura Wells; Treasurer, Mrs. 
M. M. Head ; Recording Secretary, Mrs. L. H. Rawls ; Corre- 
sponding Secretary, Mrs. W. D. Howell ; Agent for "Mission- 
ary Voice," Mrs. L. H. Rawls. 

Parsonage Aid Society. 

The Parsonage Aid Society was organized in October, 
1910, 30 members. Mrs. E. M. Pope was elected President; 
Mrs. W. D. Berry was elected Secretary and Treasurer. This 
society was organized for the purpose of improving and 
benefitting the parsonage in any way possible. In the year 
1914 the name of this society was changed to Social Service 
Department and was then under the auspices of the Wo- 
man's Missionary Society. Many things have been accom- 
plished by the aid of this society for both parsonage and 
church. Among the presidents who have served are Mrs. 
A. A. Howell, Mrs. Laura Wells, Mrs. J. M. Means, Mrs. Mc- 
Gouirk, Mrs. Adams and perhaps others. Many changes 
have taken place since its organization. Three of the char- 
ter members have been removed by death. Many have 
moved to other places, but today we still exist and can boast 
that we are still doing a good work, with Mrs. F. L. Adams, 
President, and Mrs. C. B. Pierce, Secretary and Treasurer, 
with a membership of 33. 

Among the saints of other days belonging to the Meth- 
odist Church we mention Wm. Ford (Uncle Billy), Joseph 
Ford, R. Y. Beckham, Jas. Howell, Dr. C. F. Redding, Judge 
Jas. Pope. 

The Zebulon Baptist Church. 

The facts in the first part of this sketch are based partly 
on the recollection of a conversation with Rev. G. W. Wood 
now deceased. In 1823 a Baptist church was constituted 
and its meeting house erected on the grounds of what is 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 51^ 

now East View Cemetary in Zebulon. The church at that 
time was not known as the Zebulon Church, but its name 
has shpped the memory of the writer of this sketch. The 
division among Baptists on the question of the churches co- 
operating with missionary organizations was in process of 
development throughout the state. Differences among Bap- 
tists were somewhat neglected and overlooked in 1827 and 
1828, due to the great revival all over the land. In the year 

1828 in the Flint Rivei- Association consisting of 33 churches 
there were baptized 1,869 persons, almost doubling its mem- 
bership. At the meeting of the Association in Forsyth in 

1829 the real battle on the mission question began in this 
Association. By 1833 the baptisms dropped to 88. 

The Baptist Church at Zebulon suffered proportionately. 
The incident of Margaret Higdon given below shows the 
straits to which the church was reduced. 

The new birth o^ the church, so to speak, took place on 
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 1834. From that time on it w^as known as 
the Baptist Church of Christ at Zebulon. A new minute 
bool: was begun with a record of a conference on that date. 
In the minutes of May 1, 1841 it is recorded: "In conse- 
quence of a previous division in this church and the former 
clerk keeping the Church Book we find ourselves destitute 
of the Constitution and the Rules of Decorum for remedy 
whereof, etc." This quotation shows why a new record book 
was begun. 

In this conference of October 7th delegates to the Asso- 
ciation were appointed and the time set for the choice of a 
preacher, clerk and deacon or deacons. The delegates to 
the Association were James E. Bland and Milus Murdoch. 
The minutes were signed by Spencer Stamper, Moderator, 
and Matthew Orr, Clerk pro tem. 

From that time on, while at times it has not been as pros- 
perous as at others, its growth has been commensurate with 
the town of Zebulon. 

The pastors of the church from 1834 have been: John 



52 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 

Milner, December, 1834, to 1836 inclusive; Spencer Stamper 
1837 to 1841 ; John H. Milner, 1842, to March 9, 1857, the 
date of his death which was on the day after his last ser- 
mon ; Jacob Buff ington, 1857 to 1859 ; J. H. Weaver, 1860 to 
May, 1861, when he went to the war. A. B. Vaughan, Sr., a 
member of the church, filled the pulpit until October when 
W. G. McMichael who had been called as pastor accepted to 
serve to the end of the year. A. E. Cloud served 1862 and 
1863. In 1864 J. H. ¥/eaver was pastor again. J. M. Wood 
was pastor in 1865. In 1866 and 1867 J. H. Weaver was 
pastor for the third time. From 1868 to 1876 J. M. Wood 
was pastor. E. M. Hooten served in 1877 and 1878. J. M. 
Wood was pastor the third time from 1879 to 1881. In 1882 
W. C. Felts was pastor. Harry Wells was pastor from No- 
vember, 1882, to the end of 1888. J. W. Beck was pastor 
from 1889 to 1902. In 1903 and 1904 J. Parry Lee was pas- 
tor. C. M. Brittain was pastor in 1905. R. H. Harris began 
the year 1906 as pastor but his health failed. The church 
called R. L. Bolton who supplied until he left for the semin- 
ary in the fall. J. W. R. Jenkins has been pastor from 1907 
to the present time. 

TTie church has had only five clerks since its reorganiza- 
tion: James E. Bland beginning Oct. 25, 1834, Clark M. 
Dickinson beginning Jan. 5, 1839, Wiley E. Mangham begin- 
ning March 13, 1847, Wm. 0. Gwyn beginning Jan. 11, 1891, 
and Jesse J. Slade beginning April 11, 1896. 

In the minutes of April 5, 1862, this resolution is re- 
corded: "On motion we the church unanimously tender our 
church bell as a donation to the Confederate Government to 
be cast into cannon for the use of the war." 

Of the early days of the Zebulon Baptist Church this in- 
cident is related: An unfortunate dispute began which di- 
vided the church into two factions. So warm was the con- 
tention that one side went over and nailed up the church. 

Old "Grandma Higdon," who sided with neither faction 
and prayed for both, one day was in the church yard clean- 
ing off the graves of her dead. As she passed the church 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 53 

door and saw how the angry deacons had locked the Lord out 
of His house, she could stand it no longer. Sending one of 
her slaves for an ax, she had the doors and windows opened, 
letting in God's glorious sunlight. Then she took the dusty- 
Bible from the pulpit, read a chapter, and then knelt in 
prayer with her faithful slaves. 

As she started home she passed the gate of her lifelong 
friend, Mrs. E. W. Wells. She went in and related the ag- 
gressive measures she had taken. Mrs. Wells' reply was, 
"Sister Higden, you've done exactly right and to your next 
prayermeeting I'll come with my children." So these two 
earnest women held these simple services. 

The time of the annual meeting of the Flint River Asso- 
ciation was approaching. "Grandma Higdon" said the 
church must be represented. Since the men hadn't returned 
she had herself appointed a delegate, walked out to the As- 
sociation at old Hebron Church, and was received as the 
first and only woman delegate of that body. 

The deed to the Zebulon Baptist Cliuvch was made in 
1835 by the judges of the Superior Court to Wiley ]\Iangham 
and Geo. W. Miiner, but was not recorded until 1861. 

This church has given in the last three years to the 75- 
Million Campaign nearly $7,000. 

The following are the present deacons : E. F. Dupree, S. 
J, Eason, E. H. Baker, J. J. Slade, C. R. Gwynn, E. L. Mc- 
Kinley, and W. H. Dunn. 

There are 166 members on the church roll. The Sunday 
school has 122 on the roll. 

The Ladies' Aid and Missionary Society of the Zebulon 
Baptist Church was organized in 1890, with Mrs. W. P. 
Gwynn, President ; Miss Jennie Mitchell, Secretary, and Mrs. 
M. J. Redding, Treasurer. There were only ten members at 
lirst and but little work was accomplished ; but as time went 
on, under the leadership oC consecrated officers and by the 
efforts of willing workers, both membership and work in- 
creased. Now the enrollment is about thirty, and the funds 



54 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 



raised have been used for different missions, general benevo- 
lence and church improvement. The W. M. S. has organ- 
ized and is fostering the folloiwng organizations among the 
young people of their church : A Y. W. A., with Mrs. R. C. 
Johnson as leader; a S. A., with Miss Lizzie Mitchell as 
leader; a band of Royal Ambassadors, led by Rev. J. W. R. 
Jenkins; and a Sunbeam Band, led by Mrs. R. C. Johnson. 
The present officers are: Mrs. C. R. Gwynn, President; 
Mrs. J. W. R. Jenkins, Vice-President; Mrs. P. M. Sullivan, 
Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer ; Mrs. Robt. Dupree, 
Recording Secretary ; Mrs. J. J. Slade, Chairman of Personal 
Service Committee. 



THE STORY OF WILLIAMSON. 

The town of Williamson was incorporated in 1908, and the 
present officers are: J. H. Yarbrough, Mayor; A. C. Reeves, 
R. H. McLucas, C. A. Yarbrough and Paul Beauchamp, 
Councilmen ; T. E. Drewry, Marshal. 

Two branches of the Southern Railroad pass through 
Williamson, one known as the Atlanta and Fort Valley, and 
the other used to be known as the Georgia, Midland and 
Gulf, though they are both now under the same manage- 
ment. 

The Bank of Williamson was incorporated in 1912, and 
the officers are I. B. Howard, President; C. A. Yarbrough, 
Vice-President; P. W. Vaughn, Cashier. Capital stock, 
$25,000. 

List of business concerns are as follows : 

R. H. Yarbrough & Son, general merchandise. 

Williamson Grocery Co., groceries and supplies. 

W. S. Jackson, general merchandise. 

R. H. McLucas, fancy and staple groceries. 



HISTORY OF P IKE COUNTY S5 

B. A. Ridley, postmaster and dealer in cigars, tobaccos, 
stationery, etc. 

B. C. Wilson, auto tire shop and accessories. 

F. L. Pitts, blacksmith and garage. 

Williamson Bonded Warehouse, cotton storage. 

Farmers Warehouse, cotton storage. 

Hutchison and Vaughn, ginnery. 

E. R. Reynolds, groceries. 

Three physicians: J. C. Beauchamp, I. B. Howard, and 
W. L. Beauchamp, who has recently opened up a baby hos- 
pital. 

Paul Beauchamp, cotton buyer. 

A. P. Dickinson operates a nursery for raising peach 
trees. 

History of Williamson Methodist Church. 

I am indebted to Mr. I. W. Williamson for the facts of 
the early history of this church. It is said that his great 
grandmother, Mrs. Nancy Freeman, brought the first Meth- 
odist preacher here. Six generations of the Williamson 
family have belonged to this church. These facts are re- 
corded in an old class leader's book kept by Bro. William- 
son's father. The church was established in 1823 and An- 
drew Hamill was the first pastor. The first church build- 
ing was of logs, and was built on Hester's Hill. Later a 
frame building was erected near where Dr. Beauchamp now 
lives and called Red Oak. The deed to the lot on which the 
church now stands was made by Giles Drier and I. B, Wil- 
liamson in 1856, an^ was made to W. H. Simmons and B. 
F. Harber, trustees. This church is now on the Griffin Cir- 
cuit and Rev. J. H. Farr is the present pastor. Dr. J. D. 
Yarbrough, 84 years old, is a confederate veteran, and a 
faithful member of this church. The following were among 
the early members of this church: The Harpers, Simmons, 



56 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 



Yarbroughs, Aliens, Freme, Rivers, Reids, Hesters, Wil- 
liamsons, Hootens, and Holseys. The Hunts, Pattens, Shells, 
Borders and Barfields v/ere members later. The following 
are the Board of Stewards: Dr. J. Beauchamp, P. W. 
Vaughn, Wallace Williams, L. D. Wheeless, Raymond Dick- 
inson. 125 members are on the church roll. 

Superintendent Sunday School, P. W. Vaughn. Number 
of officers, teachers, and pupils 65. 

The Woman's Missionary Society of the M. E. Church 
was organized on January 3, 1915, by the District Secre- 
tary, Mrs, Sasser of Senoia. Under the pastorate of Rev. 
Mr. Nathan Thompson the society held on for one whole 
year with only four members. In January of next year, it 
took on a new lease of life and now has fourteen members. 
Dues are paid, church is looked after, and local charity is 
carried on by these faithful few. 

Williamson Baptist Church. 

In 1869 a little Baptist band began holding meetings in 
an old field schoolhouse on Shannon Place. They deter- 
mined to organize a church. In 1871, Providence Baptist 
Church was built near what is now known as Rover, Ga. 
The charter members were Mr. Allen Shackelford, Miss Sal- 
lie Shackleford, Mr. and Mrs. Joel Aycock and Miss Lizzie 
Aycock. Miss Aycock is the oldest member of this church 
now living (1922). The first pastor was Col. John D. Stew- 
art, later Judge Stewart, who served the church for twelve 
or more years and built up one of the strongest country 
churches in the Flint River Association. The church was 
named by Mrs. Joel Aycock. The first deacons were Allen 
Shackleford and Joel Aycock, who continued in office until 
their death. Eight children of the Aycock family joined 
this church. J. W. Shivers was the next deacon and re- 
mained in office for years. The following served while the 
church was near Rover: Revs. Enoch Hooten, Elam Cul- 
pepper, W. U. Kendrick, Prof. Wm. Pritchard (an educator 
and preacher), Judge Jas. A. Drewiy, and Rev. Geo. Garner. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 57 

Judge Jas. A. Drewry has been pastor twice, and W. U. 
Kendrick three times. A number of the older members dy- 
ing and so many moving to town, it was decided to move 
the church to WilHamson. As the church had grown very 
weak, the Rev. Geo. Garner came as pastor again, he hav- 
ing been appointed by the Fhnt River Association to look 
after the weak churches. Under his ministry the church 
took on new life and many new members were received. 
Since his pastorate the following have served: Revs. 
Knowles and Pate, and Dr. B. J. W. Graham, the present 
pastor (1S22). 

The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society was organized 
in 1908 with five or six members. Mrs. J. A. Bennett was 
the first president. Twenty-two members are now on the roll 
and Mrs. J. W. Touchstone is president. Only two of the 
charter members are now living, Mrs. 0. T. Moreland and 
Mrs. Fillyaw, both of whom are untiring in their zeal and 
devotion to the cause. They look carefully after every de- 
partment of misisonary work. They have organized a 
Young Woman's Auxiliary, a Girls' Auxiliary, the Royal 
Ambassadors, and a Sunbeam Band. At present all the 
young people's societies work through the Baptist Young 
People's Union. The present deacons are Richard Rawls, 
Wm. Fillyaw. and Jesse Gill. 

The Sunday School is in a flourishing condition, having 
five -eachers and eighty members. The following are the 
officers: Otis Rawls, Superintendent; Jesse Gill, Assistant 
Superintendent; Wm. Fillyaw, Secretary and Treasurer. 

I am indebted to Mrs. 0. T. Moreland for the interesting 
information contained in this sketch. 

Williamson Christian Church. 

In August. 1911, Mrs. L. M. Omer, State Secretary of 
Missionary work, organized a W. M. S. at Bethany Chris- 
tian Church. Mrs. C. A. Dickinson was made President. 
On account of scattered membership, it was suggested, as 
we had several members in Williamson, that we have our 



58 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 

metting in the homes. Through he inspiration of our meet- 
ing we had a vision of a new church in Williamson, but was 
unable to secure a suitable lot until the fall of 1917 when a 
beautiful central lot was purchased from Josiah Allen, on 
which a nice brick church was built which is Williamson 
Christian Church. About fifty of the Bethany members 
enrolled there. We have at present about ninety on roll. 
On the fourth Sunday in January, 1919, we had our first 
service which was glorious. Our first and present pastor is 
Bro. F. L. Adams of Atlanta. We organized early in same 
year. Sunday School was organized the following Sunday 
with J. W. Anderson, Superintendent, six teachers and two 
officers, C. A. Yarbrough, Secretary, and Drewry Dickinson, 
Treasurer. Had eighty pupils on roll. At present F. S. 
Drewry is Superintendent, and we have about fifty-five on 
roll. Have three elders and eight deacons. 

Mrs. Belle Dickinson is President of the Woman's Mis- 
sionary Society. Have twenty-two members. In July, 1920, 
the church was dedicated by John H. Wood, president of 
Southeastern Christian College, Auburn, Ga. Much good 
has been accomplished for our dear Lord since the organ- 
ization in 1919. The church building is valued at $8,000. 

BETHANY CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 

Bethany Christian Church was organized by A. M. Am- 
mons, an evangelist. The first pastor was W. L. Marshall. 
Harris Jones was pastor from 1881 to 1894; T. L. Harris 
served two years ; then D. A. Brindle was pastor until 1899 ; 
then R. A. Helsabeck, 1900-01; W. F. Harrison, 1902; D. A. 
Brindle, 1903-07 ; Harrison Jones, 1908-09 ; A. J. Mize, 1910- 
11-12; T. E. Linkons, 1913; A. J. Mize, 1914; T. 0. Slaugh- 
ter, 1915; J. H. Corley, 1916-17; W. A. Chastain, 1918; D. 
A. Brindle, 1919-20; G. H. Kinnont, 1921-22. There are 
three deacons and one elder. There is a Ladies' Aid So- 
ciety. F. S. Drewry has served as clerk and deacon for 
forty years. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 59 

Williamson High School. 

Until a few years ago, Williamson had a very inferior 
school building, a poor equipment, and a very ordinary 
school. A few patriotic citizens met and consulted together 
to devise some plan to relieve the situation. They first 
tried a popular subscription, but this plan failed. About 
this time. Dr. J. C. Beauchamp was elected to the Senate. 
After studying the question, he introduced a bill in the Sen- 
ate to allow local schoos diltricts to issue bonds for school 
purposes and pressed it to passage, and had the same done 
in the House of Representatives by an advocate of the bill. 
Under the provisions of this law, six per cent bonds to the 
amount of $6,000 were issued and sold, these bonds to run 
for a long term of years. By this means, Williamson now 
has a handsome building, veneered with brick, four large 
classrooms, commodious cloak rooms, and a broad hall on 
the first floor. On the second floor there is a music room 
and an auditorium with a stating capacity of 700, The 
stage fittings, the curtains and scenery and a piano were 
furnished by the Woman's Club. There is a handsome por- 
tico and entrance overlooking the grounds. There are six 
acres in the grounds of great natural beauty. The building 
was completed in 1915. Great credit is due Dr. Beauchamp 
for his interest and zeal. 

Faculty for Fall term, 1922: Principal, W. L. Harris, 8th, 
9,th 10th grades ; Miss Evie Stone, 1st and 2nd grades ; Miss 
Pauline Jones, 3rd and 4th grades; Miss Nell Shannon, 5th, 
6th, and 7th grades; Music, Miss Louise Baker. There are 
ten grades taught. There is an average enrollment of 145 
pupils. 

Williamson civil officers: Justice of Peace, F. S. Drewry ; 
Notary Public, Jas. Brown; Bailiff, Thos. Drewry. 



60 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 



WILLIAMSON WOMAN'S CLUB. 

In October, 1904, the Williamson club was formed under 
the name of "Modern Priscillas." As the name would indi- 
cate, it was primarily a sewing club. 

Soon, however, seeing the sore need, we began to take up 
civic and school improvement work. We raised money by 
various sundry and divers means and bought a piano for 
the school. We also started a public library which now con- 
tains over five hundred volumes, which, with the book- 
shelves, have been recently donated to the school, though 
still under the supervision of the club. We also paid off a 
debt of long standing on the church. In April, 1916, we 
federated, and with the broadening of our horizon, our name 
was changed to the Woman's Club. 

All our energies were then directed toward building a 
club house, which, today, the only one in Pike, stands as a 
monument to the tireless efforts of its members. During 
the war, it was tendered to the Red Cross as a work room 
and remained as such to the end of the war. Each member 
of the club did her bit during the war. Towels, scrapbooks 
and canned fruit were sent to the base hospital at Fort Mc- 
Pherson. A complete hospital outfit for a soldier was do- 
nated, through the Griffin Red Cross, before our auxiliary 
was formed. 

That Williamson always exceeded her quota in all the 
drives and campaigns was largely due to the concentrated 
efforts of the club members. Chairmen of the Red Cross 
auxiliary and U. W. W. campaign were also recruited from 
our ranks. 

Trees have been planted as a memorial for each soldier 
who left from this vicinity. 

The club contributes annually to the Tallulah Falls Insti- 
tute and Student Aid, this year giving $1.00 per capita to 
the former. 

The club has contributed largely to the social life of our 



HISTORY OF P IKE COUNTY 61^ 

village in giving showers for each bride and entertainments 
of every known variety. Flowers sent to sick and bereaved 
ones also. 

In January, 1921, we became charter membrs of the Pike 
County Federation, and in October of the same year, mem- 
bers of the General Federation. 

Our club house was formally dedicated and its doors 
thrown open to the public on April 30th, when with appra- 
priate ceremonies, the cornerstone was laid by the Masonic 
fraternity. On the same day our club was hostess to the 
Pike County Federation at its first meeting. 

A bulletin board, which has proved to be very useful, has 
been placed in the post office. We also conduct a second- 
hand magazine stand there, through the courtesy of the 
postmaster. At present, we are bending every effort to- 
ward beautifying the town well, for the benefit of the pub- 
lic at large, and as a memorial to one of our loved members. 

Our membership is limited to twenty, and at prestnt we 
have ten active members. On our roll, however, are one in 
New York, one in Florida, two in Atlanta, one in Kenwood, 
and one in Zebulon, who pay their dues, thus testifying to 
the love that they still bear to the Woman's Club of Wil- 
liamson. 



COLORED CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. 

Up to the close of the Civil War in 1865, the colored peo- 
ple belonged to the same church as the whites and were 
served by the same pastors, holding their servies in the 
afternoons. In many of the Methodist churches, there were 
galleries built, and numbers of the servants occupied them 
during the services for white people. Some negroes were 
licensed as local preachers, and did much good among their 
own people, some of whom the writer remembers well, viz., 
Sandy Kendall and Edmund Lowe of Upson County, and 



62 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 

Wm. Fincher of Pike County. 

Soon after the war the M. E. Church, South, organized 
the colored M. E. Church and has fostered it ever since. 
The other colored Methodists have gone either to the M. E. 
Church (North) or to the African M. E. Church. They 
have Methodist and Baptist churches at various places in 
the County, and have large memberships and enthusiastic 
services at all their churches. The A. M. E. Church in Zebu- 
Ion has only 15 members. J. W. McKnight is the present 
pastor. The M. E. Church has 226 members and Jacob Mad- 
dox is pastor. The. Baptist Church has 300 members and 
Monroe Watts is the present pastor. The M. E. Church for 
the colored people in Zebulon was organized 58 years ago. 
Jacob Maddox is also pastor at Meansville with 72 members, 
and at Roberts with 35 members. 

The colored school in Zebulon has an enrollment of 186. 
There ai'e schools and churches for colored people all over 
the county. They are noted for paying their pastors. The 
relations between the races are pleasant. 

Floyd Slade runs an undertaker's establishment for col- 
ored people. Manuel Hall and Gilbert Baker run stores, and 
Robt. Lindsay and John Collier run blacksmith shops. 

In cases of fire in Zebulon the colored people render val- 
iant service. 

Several colored soldiers died or were killed in France, but 
I have been unable to get the facts. 



CONFEDERATE VETERANS. 

In 1861, when Georgia seceded from the Union and took 
her place among the Confederate States of America, the 
call was made for troops to defend what we conceived to 
be our rights, as patriotic sons of the South our men and 
boys from 16 to 60 years arrayed themselves under the 
banner of the Confederacy and led by Jackson, Hood and 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 63 



Lee many of them laid down their lives on the altar of their 
country's honor. Pike County furnished her full quota. 
Even if loyalty had not led her to do so willingly, public 
sentiment would have compelled it. 

Most of our soldier boys have passed over the river and 
now "rest under the shade of the trees." A few, in age and 
feebleness extreme, still wait the Master's call. 

The Confederate Veterans of Pike have an annual reunion 
at Bluff Springs Campground. We append a list of those 
who still survive : 

Z. T. Beckham, W. C. Bishop, J. D. Carriker, Josephus 
Coggin, J. D. Dunn, J. W. Holsey, S. A. Howell, C. W. Sulli- 
van, J. D. Yarbrough, F. M. Butler, C. H. Johnson, J. A. 
Bishop, W. R. Brumbaloe, J. E. Coppedge, T. T. Conner, P. 
R. Coker, B. J. Foster, W. M. Jamison, J. J. Johnson, Moun- 
tain Kendrick, G. E. Lavender, W. T. Lyle, J. W. Marshall, 
Columbus Moore, S. J. M. Pilkenton, Martin Phillips, M. F. 
Ross, A. H. Reed, J. E. Smith, J. J. Sykes, J. F, Weaver. 

WIDOWS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS. 

Mrs. A. Banks, Mrs. D. S. Allen, Mrs. J. L. Aldred, Mrs. 
W. T. Barker, Mrs. Ann Bevil, Mrs. Laura Beckham, Mrs. 
Donie Gwyn, Mrs. Margaret Hankins, Mrs. J. H. Howell, 
Mrs. T. Z. Jones, Mrs. J. W. Means, Mrs. D. A. Mcintosh, 
Mrs. J. B. Nelson, Mrs. Cassie Parker, Mrs. Susan G. Pope, 
Mrs. Annie E. Scott, Mrs. Hardy Steward, Mrs. Josiah 
Wood, Mrs. A. Harvill, Mrs. T. Johnson, Mrs. Mary J. Park, 
Mrs. M. S. Riggins, Mrs. L. D. Scroggins, Mrs. M. A. Strick- 
land, Mrs. E. W. McEling, Mrs. Lavonia Lifsey, Mrs. A. F. 
Brrwn, Mrs. M. E. Bernard, Mrs. A. F. Beckham, Mrs. M. F. 
Ballard, Mrs. S. G. Bloodworth, Mrs. Fannie Burnett, Mrs. 
L. P. Coggins, Mrs. Nancy Dean, Mrs. E. F. Green, Mrs. M. 
A. Huckaby, Mrs. S. E. Johnson, Mrs. F. M. Newell, Mrs. 
Catherine Pearce, Mrs. Rhoda Scott, Mrs. M. A. Terrel, Mrs. 
Mary P. Thornton, Mrs. M. A. Turner. 



64 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 



WAR BETWEEN U. S. A. AND GERMANY. 

When, in 1917, the United States, moved by a humanitar- 
ian impulse, to go to the help of the oppressed nations of 
Europe, declared war against Germany, and issued the call 
for troops, our boys responded from every state in the 
Union. The Georgia training camps were soon crowded 
with the flower and strength of our young manhood, who, 
with the patriotism characteristic of the Southern people 
were ready, if need be, to sacrifice their lives on the altar 
of their country's honor. Pike County furnished her quota. 
Some of them died in the training camps ; some of them, on 
the field of battle, dyed the soil of France with their heart's 
blood. Each deserves the equal honor. The sacrifice was 
the same. Among those killed in France were Frank Hunt, 
son of T. J. Hunt. His body was brought to Milner and bur- 
ied. Herman K. Davis, son of Austin Davis. He was bur- 
ied in France. His mother died at her home near Zebulon, 
Ga., the day after his death. 

Henry Allen O'Neal, son of J. J. O'Neal, enlisted in the 
Marines, August 14, 1917, and was sent at once to Paris 
Island; sailed for France in February, and made the su- 
preme sacrifice June 14, 1918, in the battle of Chateau 
Thierry. He went out from Concord. His body was sent 
home and buried at Mt. Zion Church, Meriwether County, 
August, 1921. , 

Roy Todd, son of T. M. Todd of Concord, Ga., enlisted in 
the Marines; sailed for France in February and was killed 
in the battle of Chateau Thierry June 2, 1918. He was bur- 
ied at Manchester, Ga., June, 1921. 

Ernest Ross, son of W. A. Ross of Pike County, Ga., was 
killed in battle in France and his body was brought home 
for burial. 

Solon Self, of Molena, Ga., died in France, and his body 
was brought home for burial. 

The following died in the training camp: Pierre Sullivan, 



HISTORY OF P IKE COUNTY 65 

Grady Sullivan, sons of S. A. and Mrs. Mellie Sullivan, and 
were buried in Zebulon, Ga. Roswell Hooten, son of Rev. 
L. Hooten. He was buried in Zebulon, Ga. 

THE RED CROSS. 

When, at the call of our country, our boys and young 
men bads farewell to mothers and wives and sweethearts 
and went ready to make the supreme sacrifice, if need be, 
our women, animated by a patriotism equally as pure and 
a devotion as sublime, banded together for prayer and ser- 
vice, and Red Cross chapters were formed all over our land. 
The women of Pike County heard and responded to the call. 
Chapters were organized in Barnesville and Zebulon, and 
Auxiliaries at Meansville, Williamson, Concord, Hollenville, 
and New Hope, and also in the Zebulon High School. The 
Red Cross made sweaters, mufflers ad socks for the soldiers 
and underwear for the war orphan children of other lands. 
It also contributed money towards carrying on the World 
War. 

Aside from the work done and the money given, perhaps 
the best service the Red Cross did was to create sentiment 
and so shape public opinion that no self-respecting whit© 
man dared be a shirker. When the U. S. Government put 
on the drives for the sale of bonds and war saving stamps 
there was no difficulty in raising the amounts called for, 
but the towns and villages and country places vied with each 
other in going "over the top." 

Below is a list of the officers of the Zebulon Red Cross 
Chapter: Chairman. J. W. R. Jenkins ; Vice-Chairman, Mrs. 
M. M. Head ; Recording Secretary, Annie May Baker ; Treas- 
urer, C. R. Gwyn; Chairman Woman's Work, Mrs. W. J. 
Franklin ; Chairman Home Service, Mrs. C. R. Gwyn ; Chair- 
man Junior Red Cross, Mrs. W. R. Gresham ; Corresponding 
Secretary, Lutie Head; Chairman Plnances, E. M. Owen; 
Chairman Publicity, Miss Nan Howard. 



66 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 



BOY SC0UT8. 

In 1917, Rev. E. P, Eubanks, who was then pastor of the 
Methodist Church in Zebulon, organized a Troop of Boy 
Scouts, from which our boys derived a great deal of pleas- 
ure and profit. By providing pure and innocent recreation 
for them, they were kept from seeking it in things impure 
and unclean. Then they were inspired by lofty and unsel- 
fish aims, and the many good deeds they wrought in help- 
ing people in trouble, looking after the sick not only lifted 
many a burden from troubled hearts, but afforded the boys 
themselves the joy that always comes from unselfish ser- 
vice to others. 



COUNTY OFFICERS. ' ] 

Judge Superior Court, W. E. H. Searcy, Sr, 

Solicitor Superior Court, Emmet M. Owen. 

Clerk Superior Court, Jos. W. Storey. 

Judge City Court, E. F. Dupree. 

Solicitor City Court, H. A. Rider. 

County Commissioners: Dr. Marvin M. Head, Robt. W. 
Hale, John S. Dunn ; Clerk, Col. R. Colbert Johnson. 

Tax Receiver, R. H. McLendon. 

Tax Collector, John A. Corley. ; 

Justice of the Peace, G. Ben Ridley. , 

Notary Public, John T. Baker. 

Bailiff, Wm. Childs. 

Sheriff, W. M. Marsh. 

Ordinary, Capt. John F. Howard. 

The first Superior Court records were for the May term, 
1824. 



HISTORY OF P IKE COUNTY 67 

The Ordinary's Court was organized April, 1856. The 
first Ordinary was Joseph Beckham; John H. Mangham, 
Ordinary, 1861 ; J. J. Harper, Ordinary, 1866 ; Robt. Eppen- 
ger, 1873; other Ordinaries: Harry Wells, T. J. Blasin- 
game, Jas. W. Means, R. C. Johnson, John F. Howard. 

The following were Clerks: R. Y. Beckham, Dr. J. B. 
Mathews, Robt. C. Mathews, Jos. W. Storey. 

Representative in Congress, Walter E. Wise. 

State Senators, Robt. Holmes, Dr. J. C. Beauchamp. 

Representative, Homer Bloodworth, Owen. 



COURTS OF PIKE COUNTY. 

It appears from the records in the office of the Clerk of 
Pike Superior Couit that the first superior court of Pike 
County was organized September 15, 1823. 

An Act was passed by the General Assembly of Georgia 
the 23rd day of December, 1822, fixing the site of the Pub- 
lic Buildings in Pike County, and purchased a lot near the 
center of the County for county purposes, which was incor- 
porated and made permanent by an Act of the General As- 
sembly passed the 26th day of December, 1823. This county 
site was named Newnan and was about one mile west of the 
present town of Meansville. The Court House at Newnan 
was of hewed logs. 

An Act was passed December 10, 1824, requiring a por- 
tion of Pike County to be taken off and added to Upson 
County, which caused the Pubhc Site to be near the south 
line of Pike County, the Commissioners thereby being com- 
pelled to discard the first site and select a second lot for the 
Public Site, lot number 227 in the Eighth District of Pike 
County was selected and the site was named Zebulon. The 
Act fixing this lot as the county site and incorporating it 
as such was approved November 25, 1825, by G. M. Troup, 



68 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 

Governor, and was to take effect upon its approval. 

The officers and their terms of office of the Superior 
Court of Pike County are as follows: 

1923 to 1925 : Eli S. Shorter, Judge ; Charles J. McDon- 
ald, Solicitor-General; E. P. Daniel, Clerk; Burrell Orr, 
Sheriff. 

1825 to 1829: Charles J. McDonald, Judge; B. F. Harris, 
Solicitor-General ; E. P. Daniel, Clerk. 

1829 to 1831: Christopher B. Strong, Judge; Rich L. 
Sinims, Solicitor-General ; E. P. Daniel, Clerk. 

1831 to 1835: Christopher B. Strong, Judge; Washington 
Poe, Solicitor-General; E. P. Daniel, Clerk; J. P. Austin, 
Sheriff. 

1835 to 1841: Angus McDonald King, Judge; James H. 
Mask, Solicitor-General ; E. P. Daniel, Clerk. 

1841 to 1843 : Angus M. King, Judge ; J. H. Stock, Solici- 
tor-General; A. B. Beckham, Clerk. 

1843 to 1845: Edward D. Tracy, Judge; Z. E. Harmon. 
Solicitor-General; A. B. Beckham., Clerk. 

1845 to 1847: Edward D. Tracy, John J. Floyd, Judges; 
Samuel Hall, R. W. McCune, Solicitor-Generals; John M. 
Ready, Clerk. 

1847 to 1849 : John J. Floyd, Judge ; R. W. McCune, So- 
licitor-General ; Henry A. Caldwell, Clerk. 

1849 to 1853: James A. Starr, Judge; R. W. McCune, So- 
licitor-General; John A. Cochran, Clerk; Joseph R. Culpep- 
per, Sheriff. 

1853 to 1855 : Jas. A. Starr, Judge ; J. A. Thrasher, So- 
licitor-General ; John A. Cochran, Clerk ; Wiley W. Grisham, 
Sheriff. 

1855 to 1857 : Gilben J. Green, Judge ; James R. Lyons, 
Solicitor-General ; John A. Cochran, Clerk. 

1857 to 1861: E. G. C^baniss, Judge; Jas. R. Lyons, So- 



HISTORY OF P IKE COUNTY 69 

licitor-General ; John C. Reddnig, Clerk. 

1861 to 1865: John J. Floyd, Judge; A. D. Hammond, 
Solicitor-General ; Charles F. Redding, Clerk. 

1865 to 1867: Alexander M. Speer, Judge; A. D. Ham- 
mond, Solicitor-General; Charles F. Redding, Clerk; W. D. 
Redding, Sheriff, 

1867 to 1871: Jas. W. Green, Judge; Lemuel B. Ander- 
son, Solicitor-General; C. F. Redding, Clerk. 

1871 to 1873: Jas. W. Green, Judge; Lemuel B. Ander- 
son, Solicitor-General; C. F. Redding, Samuel F. Mann, R. 
Y. Beckham, Clerks. 

1873 to 1877: John L Hall, Judge; Fred D. Dismuke, So- 
licitor-General; R. Y. Beckham, Clerk. 

1879 to 1881 : Alexander M. Speer, Judge ; Fred D. Dis- 
muke, Solicitor-General; R. Y. Beckham, Clerk. 

1881 to 1883: J. D. Stewart, Judge; E. Womack, Solici- 
tor-General; R. Y. Beckham, Clerk. 

1883 to 1885: J. D. Stewart, Judge; E. Womack, Solici- 
tor-General ; A. G. Harris, Clerk. 

1885 to 1887: J. D. Stewart, James S. Boynton, Judges; 
E. Womack, Solicitor-General ; J. L. Driver, Clerk. 

1887 to 1889: James S. Boynton, Judge; E. Womack, 
Solicitor-General; E. A. Parker, Clerk. 

1889 to 1891 : Jas. S. Boynton, Judge ; E. Womack, Solici- 
tor-General ; D. C. Hightower, Clerk. 

1891 to 1893: Jas. S. Boynton, Judge; Fred D. Dismuke, 
Solicitor-General ; T. J. Blasingame, Clerk. 

1893 to 1895 : John J. Hunt, Judge ; M. W. Beck, 0. H. B. 
Bloodworth, Solicitor-Generals ; T. J. Blasingame, Clerk. 

1895 to 1897: Marcus W. Beck, Judge; 0. H. B. Blood- 
worth, Solicitor-General ; J. B. Mathews, Clerk. 

1897 to 1899: M. W. Beck, E. J. Reagan, Judges; 0. H. 
B. Bloodworth, Solicitor-General; J. B. Mathews, Clerk. 



70 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 



1899 to 1905: E. J. Reagan, Judge; O. H. B. Bloodworth, 
Solicitor-General ; J. B. Mathews, Clerk. 

1905 to 1907 : E. J. Reagan, Judge ; O. H. B. Bloodworth, 
Solicitor-General ; J. B. Mathews, R. Y. Beckham, Clerks. 

1907 to 1909 : E. J. Reagan, Judge ; O. H. B. Bloodworth, 
Solicitor-General; R. D. Adams, T. J. Blasingame, R. C. 

Mathews, Clerks. 

1909 to 1911 : E. J. Reagan, Judge ; J. W. Wise, Solicitor- 
General ; R. C. Mathews, Clerk. 

1911 to 1913: R. T. Daniel, Judge; J. W. Wise, Solicitor- 
General; R. C. Mathews, Clerk. 

1913 to 1915: R. T. Daniel, Wm. E. H. Searcy, Jr., 
Judges; E. M. Owen. Solicitor-General; R. C. Mathews, 
Clerk. 

1915 to 1917 : Wm. E. H. Searcy, Jr., Judge ; E. M. Owen, 
Solicitor-General ; R. C. Mathews, Clerk. 

1917 to 1921 : Wm. E. H. Searcy, Jr., Judge ; E. M. Owen, 
Solicitor-General; R. C. Mathews, J. W. Storey, Clerks. 

1921 : Wm. E. H. Searcy, Jr., Judge; E. M. Owen, Solici- 
tor-General ; J. W. Storey, Clerk. 



COUNTY COURT OF PIKE COUNTY AND CITY COURT 
OF ZEBULON. 

The County Court of Pike County was established in 1879 
under a general Act passed by the Legislature in 1872, with 
Hon. J. S. Pope, Judge, who served continuously as judge of 
the County Court of Pike County until 1891. 

In April, 1891, Hon. E. F. Dupree was appointed judge of 
County Court of Pike County and served as judge until the 
County Court was abolished by an Act of the Legislature 
in 1909, at which time the City Court of Zebulon was created 
to supplant the old County Court. Upon the creation of the 



THaj 



^i/. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 71 

City Court of Zebulon E. F. Dupree was appointed judge 
and has continuously served as judge of the City Court of 
Zebulon until the present time. 

J. J. Rogers was appointed as first Solicitor of the County 
Court. In their order the following attorneys have since 
served as solicitors of the County Court and the City Court 
of Zebulon: W. S. Whitaker, J. J. Rogers, Stephen M. 
Woodard, J. J. Rogers, C. W. Gwyn, E. M. Owen, J. F. Red- 
ding and H, A. Rider. 

The clerks of the Superior Court of Pike County have al- 
ways been ex-officio clerks of the County Court and the City 
Court of Zebulon. 



CENTENNIAL PAGEANT. 

Given under the auspices of the Pike County Federation 
of Women's Clubs, Mrs. Hunton Allen, Director. 

1. Heralds. 

2. Band. 

3. Colors with Escort. 

4. Goddess of History. 

5. Gen. Zebulon Pike. 

6. Descendants of old families. 

7. First Mode of Travel. 

8. First Session of Court. 

9. First Circuit Rider. 

10. First Baptist Church. 

11. First Baptist Preacher. 

12. Belles of Early Days. 

13. Plantation Float. 



72 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 

14. Veterans of the Sixties. 

15. The First Buggy. 

16. Cotton Float. 

17. Corn Float. : 

18. Tomato Float. 

19. Nursery Float. 

20. Peach Float. 

21. Pepper Float. 

22. Electric Float. 

23. Ford Float. 

24. Lumber Float. 

25. World War Float. 

26. Red Cross Float. 

27. Belles of 1922. 

28. Women's Club Floats. 

29. Masonic Float. 

30. Eastern Star Float. 

31. Woodmen of the World Float. 

32. W. C. T. . Float. 

33. Boy Scouts. 

34. First School Teacher. 

35. Modern Teacher. 

36. Public Schools. 

37. Mayors and Councils. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




